Magnitude 5.9 earthquake hits Taiwan

A strong earthquake struck Taiwan today, which was felt in the capital, Taipei.

According to Taiwan’s meteorological agency, the earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale and was centered in Hualien County, in the eastern part of the country.

On April 3, the area was the epicenter of a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that killed at least 17 people and injured more than 1,100 on the island.

Today’s earthquake occurred around 17:08 local time (12:08 Greek time), according to Taiwan’s meteorological service. A series of aftershocks followed, with the strongest around 10:15 p.m. local time (5:15 p.m. Greek time), according to AFP reporters.

Taiwan’s meteorological service announced that it was a 5.9-magnitude earthquake, with a focal depth of 8.6 kilometers, while the US Geological Survey (USGC) said it was a 5.8-magnitude earthquake.

“We had the impression that we were experiencing one of the strongest earthquakes or one of the strongest aftershocks since the big one at the beginning of the month,” said an AFP worker, while another reporter said the building shook.

The Hualien Fire Department said on its official social media account that it had dispatched teams to assess possible damage.

At 22:30 local time (17:30 Greek time) no damage from the earthquake had been recorded, they assured, adding that they “continue to monitor the situation”.