An earthquake, measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale, jolted the eastern county of Taitung Wednesday, causing landslides and damage to some bridges. No casualties have so far been reported, Taiwan media said.

The quake took place at 12:38 pm, with its epicenter located near the southeast coastal region of Taitung.

Tremors frequently rattle the island but most cause little or no damage. A massive earthquake in 1999 killed about 2,400 people.

Wednesday's quake was strong enough to sway buildings in Taipei, some 300 kilometers north of Taitung, for about a minute.

(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2003)