Earthquake Hits Near Taiwan

A powerful earthquake has hit off the coast of southeastern Taiwan, but no casualties or damage were reported on the island.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau says the quake struck Wednesday at 9:08 a.m. (0108 GMT) and had a magnitude of 5.9. It put its epicenter about 52 kilometers (32 miles) southeast of the coastal city of Taitung.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude was 5.7.

The quake was not felt in the capital of Taipei, about 400 kilometers north of the epicenter.

Earthquakes frequently rattle Taiwan, but most are minor and cause little or no damage.

However, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake in central Taiwan in 1999 killed more than 2,300 people.