Moderate quake shakes southern Taiwan
( 2002-01-07 14:03 ) (7 )

A moderate earthquake rattled southern Taiwan on Monday, seismologists said, but no damage or injuries were immediately reported.

The 4.7-magnitude quake's epicenter was 24 kilometers (15 miles) northwest of the city of Taitung, 260 kilometers (160 miles) south of Taipei, the "Central Weather Bureau" said.

Hundreds of earthquakes shake Taiwan each year, but most of the tremors cause little or no damage. However, a 7.6-magnitude quake killed about 2,400 people two years ago in central Taiwan.

A 4-magnitude quake can cause moderate damage if it strikes a densely populated area.