6.3-magnitude quake strikes off Taiwan's coast

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan on Monday afternoon, the US Geological Survey said, with buildings in capital Taipei sent swaying.

Local television news said the shake was felt across the island, though there were no immediate reports of damage.

According to USGS, the offshore quake hit at a depth of 27 kilometres (17 miles), about 70 kilometres southwest of Yonakuni, a Japanese island just off Taiwan.

Taiwan and the surrounding area are regularly hit by earthquakes as they sit near the junction of two tectonic plates.