Earthquake sways buildings in Taiwan capital

Saturday, May 1st 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) _ An earthquake shook buildings in the Taiwanese capital Saturday, the Central Weather Bureau said. Two people reportedly died in a landslide triggered by the temblor.

The magnitude-5.8 quake was centered on the island's east coast, 4.3 miles west from the town of Hsincheng, the weather bureau said.

The quake triggered landslides on a mountain road, and falling rocks killed two people traveling by car, cable station TVBS reported.

Heavy rain and traffic jams made communication with the scene of the accident difficult, and no more details were available, the station reported.

Hsincheng lies in the mountainous Hualien region, about 60 miles southeast of Taipei. The quake was felt in most parts of the island, the weather bureau said.

Temblors rattle Taiwan frequently, but most are minor. However, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake in central Taiwan killed more than 2,300 people in 1999.