Wednesday, 07 February 2018 - 10:38

Powerful earthquake in Taiwan leaves four dead and over hundred missing

Rescuers combed through the rubble of collapsed buildings, some using their hands as they searched for about 145 people missing after a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the popular Taiwanese tourist city of Hualien overnight.

At least four people were killed when the shallow and powerful quake caused at least four buildings, including a hotel to cave in and tilt dangerously on the country's east coast.

Around 225 were injured and at least 145 people were missing.

The National Fire Agency said the force of the tremor buckled roads and disrupted electricity and water supplies to thousands of households.

The quake struck about 22km northeast of Hualien - which is home to about 100,000 people - shortly before midnight, and the epicentre was very shallow at just 1km, the USGS said.

A hotel is pictured with its bottom floors crushed