Taiwan rattled by two earthquakes, bracing for aftershocks
- No damage was reported following Sunday’s 5.8 and 6.2 magnitude quakes on the eastern side of the island
- Epicentre of both earthquakes was in Hualien county with weather bureau reporting likelihood of further tremors
The first quake, which shook buildings in the capital Taipei, had a depth of 15km (nine miles) with its epicentre in Hualien county on Taiwan’s sparsely populated and mountainous eastern coast, the island’s weather bureau said.
The second quake, three minutes after the first one, had a depth of 14km, also with its epicentre in Hualien, it said, adding there were likely to be aftershocks.
Taiwan media said guests at hotels in Hualien city rushed out into the streets after the earthquakes. Hualien is a popular tourist destination.
The transport ministry said operations on the island’s high speed rail line, which runs on Taiwan’s western coast, were unaffected.
The Taipei city government said the subway system was operating as normal after trains were briefly ordered to slow their speed. The fire department said it had not received any reports of damage.