Strong quake hits Japan, Taiwan

Japan suffered from a quake earlier this year

TOKYO, Japan -- A strong earthquake has struck parts of southern Japan and Taiwan, generating a small tsunami.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from Tuesday's quake, estimated at a magnitude of 7.3, officials told The Associated Press news agency.

The quake was located off the coast of Taiwan and several small islands in Okinawa, Japan's southernmost state, Meteorological Agency officials in Tokyo said.

The quake was centered about 10 km (six miles) under the sea floor about 145 km (90 miles) west-southwest of Ishigaki island, which has a population of about 41,000.

A 7.3 magnitude quake is capable of causing major damage if centered near a heavily populated area.

More than 6,000 people were killed in the Japanese port city of Kobe in 1995 when it suffered a direct hit by a quake with a 7.2 magnitude.

Shock waves

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Tuesday's quake generated several tsunami.

Japan's Meteorological Agency estimated that the tsunami could reach a height of about 50 cm or 20 inches, but initial waves registered only about 10 cm.

Live video shown on Japan's national television network from Ishigaki and other Okinawan islands in the area of the quake showed no obvious damage, and all appeared calm.

Officials in nearby Taiwan also reported feeling the earthquake, though they estimated that it had a 6.7 magnitude.

In Taiwan, the tremor lasted long enough to shake and move objects on shelves. It was felt more strongly in the northern half of the island. Mass rapid transit in the capital, Taipei, was temporarily halted following the quake.

Every year, hundreds of earthquakes rattle the Okinawa area and Taiwan. Most of the tremors cause little or no damage.

But two years ago, a 7.6-magnitude quake in central Taiwan killed about 2,400 people.