A magnitude 6.4 earthquake hit southern Taiwan on early Tuesday, leaving at least 44 people injured.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said the quake was centered near Chiayi County. The focus is estimated to be about 9.7 kilometers deep.

Damages to houses in Tainan City have been reported.

A woman in Tainan said it was the strongest earthquake she's experienced. She said walls and stairs of her house were damaged, and that she cannot go upstairs.

An evacuation center with tents for privacy was set up about one hour after the quake. Relief supplies have been sent to the site.

Since the early morning quake, temblors have continued to hit Tainan and Chiayi County.