A strong earthquake hit eastern Taiwan on Thursday. The 6.3 magnitude quake shook buildings over a wide area but there were no reports of serious damage or casualties.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake hit at 8:02 p.m., measuring 6.3 magnitude. It was centered over a remote mountain region about 28 miles south-southwest of the coastal city of Hualian. It was at a dept og 7.5 miles and could be felt all the way in the capital of Taipei, the Associated Press reports.
Taipei is about 95 miles from the epicenter, but even buildings in that city were swaying for more than 10 seconds, leaving residents frightened and ducking for safety.
The railway officials in Taiwan immediately suspended all train service as the tracks had to be checked for damage.
According to Taiwan authorities, there were scattered power outages in the north. People in the Taipei suburbs had to be rescued as they were trapped in elevators that had stopped.
There appeared to be no damage in the area of Hualian but the full impact of the quake has not yet been evaluated as it could take some time since the epicenter was in a remote location.
The newer buildings in the country are specifically made to withstand earthquakes so it is likely that there wont be much damage. However buildings that were built before the 1980's might not fare so well as they were not made as strongly.
Taiwan is no stranger to earthquakes. The country frequently gets them but they are usually minor and don't cause much damage if any. One of the biggest earthquakes to hit the area was a 7.6 magnitude quake in central Taiwan which killed more than 2,300 people in 1999.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
