Big Quake Triggers Tsunami Fear

December 26th, 2006

Tokyo, Japan - A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Taiwan this morning killing three and leveling houses.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 7.1 and occurred at a depth of about 6 miles.

An aftershock a short time later registered 7.0.

There was a tsunami fear initially but it never materialized.

"There is no reason to raise a tsunami alert because there is no threat," said Anthony Golez, spokesman for the government's National Disaster Coordinating Committee.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no Pacific-wide tsunami was expected, although a local tsunami was possible.

In Taiwan television channel TVBS reported smoke, but no fire at Chinese Petroleum Corp Talin oil refinery located near Kaohsiung.