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6.0 magnitude earthquake jolts Taiwan, tsunami warning issued

There were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties.

6.0 magnitude earthquake jolts Taiwan, tsunami warning issued

Representational image (Photo: IStock)

A massive 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan’s northeastern coast on Thursday, according to US Geological Survey.

The weather bureau later issued a warning for residents of Yilan, as well as Taipei and surrounding areas in the north and along the east coast in advance of Typhoon Lekima.

There were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties.

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Eyewitnesses said that the shallow quake shook building in the capital, Taipei.

The quake near the northeastern county of Yilan had a depth of 22 km (13 miles).

The earthquake triggered limited power cuts and forced the suspension of regional railway service in northern Taiwan. There were also reports of gas and water leaks.

The quake was felt across Taiwan, causing power outages to more than 1,300 houses in the greater Taipei area, according to authorities.

The Taiwan Railways Administration has suspended some services in Yilan, a popular tourist hotspot, authorities added.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen issued a statement urging people to remain calm, saying the authorities were looking into any possible damage from the quake.

In April, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolted the island, disrupting traffic and 17 people were injured.

Taiwan’s worst tremor in recent decades was a 7.6-magnitude quake in September 1999 that killed around 2,400 people.

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