The US Geological Survey reported that a 6.6-magnitude earthquake occurred on Saturday near the east coast of Taiwan.
According to the USGS, the earthquake struck at about 9:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) about 50 km (30 miles) north of Taitung, a coastal city, at a depth of 10 km.
Initial reports from local media stated that the earthquake caused no injuries or damage.
The magnitude was somewhat lower, at 6.4, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau, but it was shallower at 7.3 kilometres.
Because Taiwan is located close to the meeting point of two tectonic plates, earthquakes frequently strike the island.
Unless a quake is stronger than magnitude 7.0, the island does not send tsunami alerts.
Also Read: ‘Putin is isolating himself’, says White House stressing on PM Modi’s message to Russian President
Although a lot depends on where and how deep the earthquake occurs, some earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher can be fatal.
However, the USGS predicted a low probability of mortality on Saturday, though it warned that some damage was conceivable.
(with inputs from agencies)
