Forty-two people were slightly injured in an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale which rocked Taiwan at 6:02 PM (1002 GMT) Saturday, Taiwan media said.

Most of the people were hurt by falling ceilings or goods in the houses, while some others were wounded as they run about in shock, according to a source with the Fire-fighting Bureau of Taitung County, where the epicenter was located.

The injured had been rushed to hospital, and are recovering, the source said, adding that no one was in critical condition.

The epicenter was initially determined to be over the coastal waters of southeastern Taiwan (22.9 N, 121.2E), causing minor casualties in the region.

Initial report showed Taitung City has a strong jolting, where electricity was once cut off, a fire broke out, and gas pipes were leaking. Two buildings in Taitung County were reportedly cracked up.

A source in Taitung said by 9 PM, the situation was under control and no more casualties were reported.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2006)