A powerful earthquake has struck Taiwan, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. According to reports from world agencies, the death toll has risen to seven, with 736 people injured as of the latest update from local authorities.

The quake, described as the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, has caused widespread devastation, particularly in the Hualien region on Taiwan's east coast, which was near the epicenter. Most of the casualties occurred in this mountainous area.

Rescue efforts are underway as 77 people remain trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings or in tunnels in the affected areas. Among those trapped are two German citizens, adding an international dimension to the tragedy.

The severity of the earthquake is subject to varying measurements by different agencies. While the Central Meteorological Agency of Taiwan recorded it as 7.2 on the Richter scale, the US Geophysical Institute measured it as 7.4, and the Japan Seismological Agency reported it as 7.5. This discrepancy underscores the intensity of the seismic event.

❗️ The number of people injured in the earthquake in Taiwan has exceeded 700. The death toll has risen to seven people - CNN

According to local media, more than 100 buildings in Hualien County, near the epicenter of the earthquake, are damaged or partially destroyed. Also,… pic.twitter.com/a1jz6HUpJv

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As emergency responders work tirelessly to rescue those trapped and provide aid to the injured, the focus remains on the immediate aftermath of the disaster. The affected communities are grappling with the destruction wrought by the quake, with buildings reduced to rubble and infrastructure severely damaged.