Four Injured, Communications Disrupted as Quake Rocks TaiwanAn earthquake which rocked Taiwan island Thursday morning has left at least four people injured, and subway services in Taipei and mobile communications services disrupted.The tremor, which followed a similar quake Wednesday night and lasted for about 20 seconds, measured 6.2 magnitudes on the Richter scale at 10:35 (Beijing Time), according to local seismological departments. Seven minor aftershocks occurred later Thursday. One woman was injured in Ilan county, the epicenter of the quake, while three people were injured by falling advertising boards in Taipei, where the quake was also felt. The earthquake was also felt in the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park, the heart of Taiwan's high-tech industry, registering 4.0 on the Richter scale, but no damage reports from companies have been reported. But prices of high-tech shares in connection with companies in the park were lower Thursday as traders hastily sold the shares. Local people were warned against possible mud and rock slides as aftershocks and rainstorms were expected in Taiwan. Located in the northeastern part of Taiwan island and 100 km from Taipei, Ilan county is the most important agricultural area in Taiwan. The county, part of the seismically active area on the island, has been hit by over 60 tremors measuring above 6.0 on the Richter scale since 1900. Experts say the whole island lies on a seismically active stretch of the Pacific basin and earthquakes occur frequently. |
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