Major search and rescue efforts are underway in Taiwan after the biggest earthquake in at least 25 years struck overnight. The 7.4 magnitude quake killed several people and injured hundreds.

Taipei

**Search and Rescue Efforts Underway After Taiwan Quake**

Major search and rescue operations are in progress in Taiwan following a significant earthquake, the largest in over two decades, which occurred overnight. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.4, resulted in fatalities and injuries to hundreds of individuals. Details regarding the specific areas affected and the scope of the damage are emerging as rescue teams continue their efforts to provide aid and assess the impact.



Search, rescue efforts underway after Taiwan quake

Video from inside a television station during their live morning broadcast shows just how powerful the quake was when it hit. Inside homes, debris rained down from the cabinets and shelves. Residents tried to scramble outside to safety. At least nine people have been killed, over a thousand have been injured, and countless are trapped or unaccounted for. We have to check carefully how many people are still trapped. We must quickly help those who are trapped, and the wounded must be given the best medical care. The damage, particularly intense in Hualien County on Taiwan's eastern coast. But the intense shaking from the 7.4 magnitude quake was felt as far up as the nation's capital, Taipei, close to 100 miles away. It does look like there was a certain level, an amplified level of shaking. Some buildings are now left leaning in severe angles, and rescue efforts are well underway there. People are being pushed sideways inside slanted buildings. Taiwan is known for its trained emergency response, and today it is being put to the test as they're also getting help from residents who rushed to schools or to their homes to get to their children. While tremors are not uncommon in Taiwan, this was their worst earthquake in 25 years and it jolted nerves. Many are staying out on the streets as there have been more than 200 aftershocks since the main earthquake hit. Coming every few minutes, many of them are of a magnitude of over 5.0. While complicating matters right now, tonight is the start of a major four-day holiday in Taiwan known as Ching Ming Jie. That's when residents pay respect at the tombs of their ancestors, which is commonly in the mountains. Officials are imploring the public there to put it off since landslides from this earthquake have already killed several people and more rain is in the forecast there.

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