Taiwan Struck by Powerful Earthquake
Magnitude 7.4 Quake Kills 9, Injures Hundreds
Rescuers Search for Dozens Trapped in Rubble
A powerful earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people, injuring hundreds, and collapsing buildings in the southern city of Tainan.
The quake, which measured a magnitude of 7.4, struck the island's east coast at 3:57 a.m. local time. The epicenter was located about 22 miles east of Hualien, a city on the island's east coast.
The earthquake sent shock waves across the island, causing widespread damage. In Tainan, a number of buildings collapsed, including a 17-story residential building. Rescuers are currently working to free dozens of people who are trapped in the rubble.
The earthquake also sparked a brief tsunami warning for southern Taiwan. However, the warning was later lifted after it was determined that no tsunami had been generated.
The earthquake is the strongest to hit Taiwan in nearly 25 years. In 1999, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake killed more than 2,000 people in Taiwan.
Rescue crews in Taiwan are still searching for people trapped in the rubble. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers continue their work.
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