There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The tremor hit at 5:29 pm (0929 GMT) with an epicenter 20.6 kilometers (12.77 miles) east of the eastern Hualien city, originating 19.8 kilometers below sea level, according to the Seismology Center.

A quake with a magnitude of 6.6 -- the most powerful one to have hit the island last year -- rocked Taiwan on December 10 but caused only minor injuries and damage in some southern cities.

TERRA.WIRE