Moderate quake strikes off Taiwan

TAIPEI — A moderate 5.3-magnitude earthquake hit off the east coast of Taiwan Monday, the island’s Seismology Center said, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The quake struck 115 kilometers (71 miles) east of Hualien city at 9:41 p.m. (1341 GMT), at a depth of 16 kilometers.

A strong 6.2-magnitude quake struck the island on June 3 leaving two dead and 21 injured, and was also felt in Hong Kong, more than 700 kilometres away.

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