Strong quake hits Taiwan, sways buildings in Taipei

Christian Science Monitor ^ | 10/313/2013 | AP

[TexGrill]

A strong earthquake hit eastern Taiwan on Thursday, shaking buildings over a wide area including the capital. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at 8:02 p.m. local time and measured magnitude 6.3. It was centered in a remote mountainous area 45 kilometers (28 miles) south-southwest of the coastal city of Hualian at a depth of just 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), it said.

In the capital, Taipei, about 150 kilometers (95 miles) from the epicenter, buildings swayed for more than 10 seconds and startled residents ducked for cover.

Taiwan's railway administration immediately suspended train service while it checked for any possible damage to tracks.

Authorities reported scattered power outages in northern Taiwan. In at least two locations in the Taipei suburbs crews were working to extricate people trapped in stalled elevators.

Local TV channels reported that there appeared to be almost no damage in Hualian. However, it could take some time for the full impact of the quake to be evaluated because of the remoteness of the epicenter.

[TexGrill]

Global business tip

[AlexW]

Having just experienced my first REAL earthquake this past week, I understand the fear. Fortunately, my delivery driver/friend, delivering a case of beer, and I were out the front door within 2 seconds. I can not imagine what it would be like to be in a tall building, unable to escape quickly.
If the quake can not kill you, the panic will.
Oh, no bottles were broken ;)

Please offer prayers for those that did loose their lives in our Philippine quake. Several hundred are know dead, but the toll could have been much worse.