Moderate quake rocks Taiwan

TAIPEI — A 5.3-magnitude earthquake shook the buildings of Taiwan’s capital Taipei on Tuesday, the Seismology Center said, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The quake struck at 18:11 (1011 GMT) with its epicenter 32.6 kilometers north-northwest of Hualien county in the east, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Tremors could be felt by residents on many parts of the island, the center said.

A strong 6.2-magnitude quake struck the island on June 3 leaving two dead and 21 injured, which 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.