A 5.7-MAGNITUDE earthquake that jolted Taitung County in Taiwan yesterday morning has affected thousands of passengers who travel by train, Taiwan Railways said.

Railway authorities had to slow down 12 trains that run between Hualien and Taitung counties after the earthquake occurred in mountainous areas about 230 km southwest of Taipei at 9:52 a.m., affecting the trips of more than 3,700 passengers.

No anomalies were found in safety checks on railroad beds, tracks and electric devices along the rail lines, according to Taiwan Railways, which said normal train operation was restored at 2:29 p.m.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the epicenter was monitored at 22.95 degrees north latitude and 120.87 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 12 km.

(Xinhua)