The quake was originally reported as a magnitude 6.7.
At least four people have died, and another 154 have been hospitalized. Citing Taiwanese authorities, Phoenix TV reports that as many as 250 people could remain trapped inside a collapsed 17-story building.
Local government officials have confirmed that multiple buildings have partially collapsed in Tainan, a city of two million people. At least one of those buildings is a residential complex, according to Taiwan's Libety Times, and Taiwan TV believes hundreds of people to be trapped inside.
Reports indicate that 30 people have been rescued from a seven-story building. A local fire brigade has also confirmed that 123 people rescued from inside the 17-story building.
Power outages in many areas have been reported.
— Rafael Elliot (@rairizarry) February 5, 2016
— sogetsu (@sogetsuchang) February 5, 2016
The government reports that the fire department as well as an emergency response crew are currently on their way to the area, and onlookers have been urged not to block access into the area.
— suizou (@suizou) February 5, 2016
Reports on social media are calling it "enormous" and "a big one,” with others reporting that it "went on for ages."
— Rafael Elliot (@rairizarry) February 5, 2016
The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was centered 27 miles southeast of Tainan and occurred at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles, which likely amplified its effects.
Located along the Pacific Rim, Taiwan frequently experiences mild to strong earthquakes. A 7.6 magnitude quake struck the island in 1999, killing nearly 3,000 people and injuring roughly 9,000.
— Rafael Elliot (@rairizarry) February 5, 2016
— RT (@RT_com) February 5, 2016
