Taiwan experienced its most powerful earthquake in 25 years, measuring 7.4 in magnitude. At least nine people have died, and rescuers are searching for over 100 trapped people. The epicentre is located 18km south of Hualien city.

The earthquake caused massive landslides and tremors, with tsunami warnings issued on the island and neighboring countries. The Philippines also issued a tsunami alert for its northern coastline.

Taiwanese authorities have confirmed that 127 people are trapped, with 77 trapped in Jinwen and Qingshui tunnels in Hualien county and 50 trapped in minibuses. All are staff that were being transported to the Silks Place Taroko hotel ahead of a four-day long weekend.