Quake hits Taiwan

Last year's quake left 2,400 dead

An earthquake has struck central Taiwan, killing at least three people and leaving dozens more stranded by mudslides.

The epicentre was close to that of last September's massive quake which killed some 2,400 people and destroyed thousands of buildings.

Officials say landslides have blocked roads and some of the injured people are being taken to hospital by helicopter.

The quake, which struck at 0325 GMT, registered 5.3 on the Richter scale.

It was centred 40.8km north-east of the Sun Moon Lake and 3km below the earth's surface, seismologists said.

Five aftershocks followed, the largest measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale.

The Ministry of the Interior said at least 13 people had been injured and around 40 people were trapped by rockslides.

September's quake damaged thousands of buildings

China has sent its condolences over the deaths, despite the recent escalation in tension over Beijing's reunification demands.

Taiwan lies on a seismically active stretch of the Pacific basin and earthquakes occur frequently.

Reports say minor tremors have been a daily occurrence in Taiwan since the September's quake which measured 7.6 on the Richter and was the biggest to hit the island in 100 years.