A 6.6-magnitude earthquake has struck just off the coast of Taiwan on Dec. 27, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The quake’s epicenter was about 20 miles east of Yilan County, Taiwan, and it struck at about 11:05 p.m. local time. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration rated the earthquake as a 7.0 in magnitude.
The earthquake was felt in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, according to Reuters. The Taipei city government said there were no immediate reports of major damage. Some isolated damage included gas and water leakage. Minor building damage was also reported.
The weather administration attributed lack of more serious damage to the earthquake’s depth of about 45 miles and distance offshore.
Over 3,000 homes in Yilan briefly lost power, the Taiwan Power Company said.
On Dec. 24, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s southeastern coastal county of Taitung. That quake also shook buildings in Taipei.
Taiwan is prone to earthquakes and is near the junction of two tectonic plates. Authorities on Dec. 27 urged residents to be prepared for possible aftershocks that could reach 6.0 in magnitude in the coming days.
Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake.
The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University:
Contributing: Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY; Reuters
(This story was updated to add new information)