Moderate Quake Hits off Taiwan

A shallow 5.4-magnitude earthquake hit off the east coast of Taiwan Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The quake struck at 7:51 am (23:51 GMT Friday) centered 62 kilometers (38 miles) east of Hualien city at a depth of 20 kilometers, with tremors felt in the capital Taipei for a few seconds.

A 5.9-magnitude quake hit the same area on June 8, with no casualties.

But a strong 6.2-magnitude quake that struck the island on June 3 left two dead and 21 injured, and was also felt in Hong Kong, more than 700 kilometers away.

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is regularly hit by earthquakes.