7.0 magnitude quake strikes off Taiwan's Yilan, felt across island

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Yilan County in Taiwan on Saturday night, with strong tremors felt across much of the island.

The quake occurred at 11.06pm at a depth of 72.8 kilometers, with its epicenter 32.3 kilometers east of Yilan. The shaking lasted about six to eight seconds.

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau said the intensity reached level 4 in multiple counties and cities, including Yilan, New Taipei, Taipei, Hualien, Keelung and Taoyuan. Local media reported ceiling tiles fell at Taoyuan International Airport.

Hong Kong's Observatory recorded the quake as magnitude 6.7 at a depth of about 60 kilometers, roughly 70 kilometers southeast of Taipei. It received over 100 reports from residents who felt tremors lasting several seconds.

The observatory said the local intensity in Hong Kong was a II on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, meaning it was felt by some people on upper floors or in favorable positions while at rest.