6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake has struck Taiwan's east coast, according to the island's Central Weather Bureau.

TV footage showed at least one landslide but there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.

The bureau said the quake happened at 1.01pm local time, with its epicentre about six miles north west of the eastern coastal city of Hualien.

The depth was around six miles, according to the United States Geological Survey, while Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau put it at almost 12 miles, a distance that would lessen the likelihood of damage.

The quake shook buildings in the capital Taipei, which is about 70 miles away.

One multi-storey building was reported to be leaning against its neighbour, the city's subway system suspended service, and schools along the east coast were evacuated.

Two hikers in the famed Toroko Gorge national park were injured by falling rocks, the Hualien government reported. Water pipes at the city's train station burst and rail traffic was briefly suspended.

Taiwan's premier Su Tseng-chang said schools, work sites, water, power and transit lines had been checked for damage and injured people, partly with the aid of drones.

While no major problems were found, cracked road surfaces on the east coast could become a problem if rain were to fall in coming hours, Mr Su said.

People in Chinese cities close to the Taiwan Strait dividing the island from mainland China also reported feeling the quake.

Footage shown by Taiwanese television stations showed overturned furniture in homes and offices and at least one landslide along the mountainous and lightly populated east coast.