5 killed after magnitude-6.4 earthquake rattles southern Taiwan

By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

February 5,2016; 10:03PM,EST

 

 

A magnitude-6.4 earthquake shook southern Taiwan shortly before 4 a.m. local time on Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The temblor was initially measured with a magnitude of 6.7.
The quake occurred 17 miles (28 kilometers) northeast of the town of Pingtung, Taiwan, and had a depth of 14.3 miles (14.3 kilometers).
According to the Associated Press, the earthquake caused the collapse of at least two buildings in the southern city of Tainan. The AP, citing Taiwanese news outlet ET Today, said some water and gas utility pipes had ruptured.
Rescuers are seen entering an office building that collapsed on its side from an early morning earthquake in Tainan, southern Taiwan, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. A 6.4-magnitude earthquake has struck southern Taiwan, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. (AP Photo)
At least 5 people, including a newborn, have died and 115 people have been hospitalized, according to The AP and Taiwan's Central News Agency. Efforts remain to help rescue residents stuck in the toppled buildings. So far 220 people have been pulled out of the rubble.
The earthquake also caused disruptions to rail traffic as Taiwan High Speed Rail had to change its service schedule between the city of Taichung and district of Zuoying.
The Red Cross Society of the Republic of China said it has responded to the affected area with food, blankets and other relief supplies.
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The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of a tsunami.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Randy Adkins said partly sunny and breezy conditions are forecast for Saturday and Sunday. There is a slight chance for rain on Saturday, he added.
High temperatures both days will be in the lower 60s F (16-17 C.)

The earthquake was felt across Taiwan and also on the Chinese mainland from Shantou to Fuzhou.
Ten aftershocks greater than magnitude 3.7 have been recorded since the initial temblor, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau.
A deadly earthquake struck near Hualian in June 2013 and a larger quake, a magnitude 7.6, that killed 2,500 people in 1999, the USGS said.