A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck southern Taiwan early Saturday, toppling several buildings.
Taiwan quake death toll rises to 7
Taiwan emergency center says the death toll has climbed to seven, including an infant and a small child.
At least 155 people have been injured and 100 residents are still trapped in the building.
The earthquake toppled many high-rise buildings including a 17-story building with 107 residents.
Over 100 residents have been rescued so far from the incident and have been taken to the hospital.
President Ma Ying-jeou promised an “all-out effort” to rescue people when he arrived in the city.
“Shelters would be set up for those who had lost their homes in the city of two million people,” he said.
He added that the Taiwan government has set up a disaster emergency center for relief work.
“In the current phase, we are busy rescuing and relocating the victims. There are enough manpower at the site to carry out the rescue. As for the relocation, we will provide 1,200 beds in the nearby military academy for the victims.”
Earthquake in Taiwan causes building collapse. 123 people rescued so far, say firefighters. https://t.co/zd8nHheOmp pic.twitter.com/Cq6h4BrC7e— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) February 5, 2016
US Geological Survey said the earthquake was shallow and its effects would have been amplified.