Earthquake strikes Taiwan (12: 09 p.m.)
TAIPEI, Taiwan — A powerful earthquake struck southeastern Taiwan on Tuesday, authorities said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
The Central Weather Bureau said the quake hit just offshore at 11:16 a.m. (0316 GMT), about 45 miles (70 kilometers) north of the city of Taidung. It put its magnitude at 6.0.
The United States Geological Survey said the magnitude of the quake was 5.2.
As the quake struck, buildings shook in the capital of Taipei, about 130 miles (200 kilometers) to the northwest.
Earthquakes frequently rattle Taiwan, but most are minor and cause little or no damage.
However, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan in 1999 killed more than 2,300 people, and in December 2006 a 6.7-magnitude tremor south of Kaohsiung severed undersea cables and disrupted telephone and Internet service to millions of users throughout Asia.(AP)
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