A 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan late Tuesday, leading to the death of four people and leaving over 200 people injured.
The earthquake struck the island’s east coast city of Hulien at about 16:00 (WAT), leaving collapsed buildings and structures in its destructive wake.
Rescue operations are ongoing with reports saying 236 people have already been rescued from the wrecks. However, 145 people remain unaccounted for, 143 of which are believed to be trapped in the Yun Man Tusi Ti building.
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The Marshal Hotel in downtown Hulien did not survive the wreck, according to Jeff Lin with the Hulien Police Department.
The hotel accounts for most of the injured with a few coming from city buildings.
One member of staff has been rescued, but another two are said to be still be trapped in the building.
“We know there are people who are trapped inside – we can see lights inside the hotel,” eyewitness Zeena Starbuck told the BBC.
“People with phones are shining their lights to let people know they’re there.”
About 40,000 homes are without water, and highways and bridges have been are closed except one which, though damaged, was partially opened to allow for traffic.
Residents have been told to stay away from their damaged homes, and about 800 have taken shelter in community buildings.
Schools and public buildings remain closed as at Wednesday.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen thanked first responders in a tweet.
“Thank you to our first responders for their tireless efforts in #Hualien,” she said.
The earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks with some measuring over magnitude 5.
