The magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Taiwan

Two earthquakes a few minutes apart occurred off the east coast of Taiwan on July 14, according to the Central Taiwan Climate Bureau (CWB). The vibration of the earthquake can be felt on land, but no damage has been reported so far.

According to CWB, the 6.3-magnitude earthquake took place at 2:05 am (local time), 57 km east of Hualien City and 9.3 km deep. Earlier, a 4-magnitude tremor occurred in the eastern province of Ilan with the epicenter 12.9 km from the ground.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said no tsunami warning was given. Despite USGS, though, such magnitude earthquakes can cause devastating tsunamis within 100 km.

A seismic expert learns only earthquake curves in Taiwan (Photo: AFP)

Earthquakes often occur in Taiwan and cause little damage. However, the magnitude 7.6 earthquake in 1999 here killed 2,400 people and destroyed more than 50,000 houses.

* A few hours earlier on July 13, another earthquake shook Sumba Island in eastern Indonesia with an intensity of 6.4 magnitude. According to the Indonesian Meteorological and Hydrological Agency, the earthquake took place at 1752 (local time) 107 km southwest of Waingapu province. However, according to the USGS, the magnitude of the earthquake is about 6 richter.

' We checked damages and casualties at Ruteng, Manggarai and Sumba. The earthquake did not cause any damage , "said the Indonesian disaster management agency spokesman.