A powerful six-point-four magnitude earthquake has jolted Taiwan, toppling buildings and leaving at least two people dead and more than a hundred injured
Ro Aram reports.
The U.S. Geological Survey said Tuesday night's quake struck about 20 kilometers north-east of Hualien, on the island's east coast.
It shook at a depth of about nine and a half kilometers, but a tsunami warning was not issued.
Rescuers are desperately searching for any survivors that may be trapped under collapsed buildings.
The ground floor of the Marshal Hotel caved in, causing the death of one employee and another person died in a toppled residential building.
About a couple dozen people are said to have been rescued from the rubble so far.
Buildings that haven't yet been toppled are close to doing so as the 6.4 magnitude quake left them tilting.
The government also says two bridges in the city were either cracked or could not be used and a number of highways have also been closed.
But, officials say train tracks appear to be unaffected and the Hualien airport's runway is still intact, though flights have been cancelled.
With aftershocks continuing, shell-shocked residents have been directed to emergency shelters, where beds and hot food are being provided.
Taiwan is prone to earthquakes as it sits along the famed "Pacific Rim of Fire," known for frequent seismic activity.
Tuesday's quake followed a 6.1 magnitude tremor over the weekend and also fell on the second anniversary of a 6.4 quake in southern Taiwan that killed nearly 120 people.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.