Summary The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no immediate threat of a tsunami.
TAIPEI (AFP) - A strong earthquake struck eastern Taiwan Thursday, shaking buildings in the capital and causing tremors across the island.
The 6.3 magnitude at 8:02 pm (1202 GMT) had its epicentre 53 kilometres (33 miles) southwest of Hualien city at a depth of 19.5 kilometres, according to the country s Seismology Centre.
The US Geological Survey gave a slightly higher magnitude of 6.6 and a shallower depth of 9 km.
There was no immediate information on any damage or casualties. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no immediate threat of a tsunami.
Residents in Taipei took to social media to describe their alarm after the quake hit.
"Yikes. Now the sirens are going. Definitely the worst earthquake I ve felt here," wrote Lola Dodge on Twitter, describing herself as an expat living in Taipei.
Elga Reyes tweeted: "Ohmygod. That was the scariest moment ever! Earthquake in Taipei. I could hear the walls creaking. And felt like I was swaying on a ride."
