TOKYO, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- A magnitude 6.4 earthquake battered southern Taiwan early Tuesday, injuring at least 26 people, while causing houses and roads to collapse and 50 people isolated in their village, the Taipei-based Central News Agency reported.
The epicenter of the 12:17 am (16:17 Monday GMT) temblor was located 37.9 km southeast of Chiayi County Hall, at a depth of 9.7 km, according to the Central Weather Administration. In a village of Chiayi County's Dapu District, the location of the quake's epicenter, severe damage was seen and roads entering the village were blocked, isolating around 50 villagers. The quake's intensity, which gauges the actual effect of a seismic event, was highest in Chiayi County, where it measured a 6- on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale, the weather bureau said. As of 3:30 am, nearly 50 aftershocks had been recorded in southern Taiwan. Earthquakes are frequent in Taiwan and the most destructive was a 7.6-magnitude quake in 1999, killing more than 2,400 people. (end) mk.aa