Around the midnight clock of Tuesday, an earthquake shook in Taiwan toppling many buildings while people were sleeping inside. According to the updates, an earth quake of magnitude 6.4 quake hit the popular tourist city Hualien on late Tuesday leading to more than 5 people dead, over 250 people injured as a result of it.

“After the magnitude 6.0 quake struck 18.3 kilometers northeast of Hualien County hall at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, an intensity level of 7 was felt in Hualien County for a full 70 seconds, causing multiple buildings to collapse, trapping many inside as they slept. Of the 177 missing, 147 people are trapped in the 12-story  Yun Tsui (雲門翠堤大樓) residential complex which partially collapsed and titled 45 degrees.” according to a report in the Apple Daily.

According to the local upades, the national fire agency said at least five people had been killed and 247 injured across the city. But the toll could rise as rescuers discovered further bodies. Yun Tsui residential building has its base floors collapsed leading to the leaning of the entire 12 story building. It is being taken in grave concern as it houses a restaurant, shops and a hostel.

President Tsai Ing-Wen has posted on the social media that the priority of the rescue team is to save people. According to the First Post, Hualien is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist hubs as it lies on the picturesque east coast rail line and near the popular Taroko Gorge. Around 17 foreigners have sought medical help for minor injuries from the natural disaster.

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