Strong earthquake jolts southern Taiwan

Taipei, February 26: A strong earthquake has struck southern Taiwan, causing minor property damage in a mountainous area near the coastal city of Pingtung.

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau says the quake struck at 10:35 am (0235 GMT) Sunday, about 19 miles (30 kilometres) from Pingtung. It says the quake had a magnitude of 6.1.

The US Geological Survey put the magnitude at 5.9.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.