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M 6.4 quake hits Taiwan, at least seven killed, 358 injured

TOKYO, Feb 6 (KUNA) -- A powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale struck southern Taiwan on Saturday, killing at least seven people and injuring 358, the Taipei-based Central News Agency reported.
The 3:57 a.m. (1957 Friday GMT) quake also toppled multiple buildings in Tainan City, including a 16-story residential building with possibly over 20 of people trapped inside, while more than 250 residents were rescued, the report said.
The Interior Ministry set up a Central Emergency Operation Center shortly after the quake. The earthquake's epicenter was located in Kaohsiung City, at a depth of 17 km, the Central Weather Bureau said.
Earthquakes are frequent in Taiwan and the most destructive was a 7.6-magnitude quake in 1999, killing more than 2,400 people. (end) mk.tg