Deadly Earthquake in Taiwan Destroys Several Buildings

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake in southern Taiwan has destroyed several buildings and has so far left at least five dead and dozens injured. A 10-month-old child was among those who lost their lives when a 17-story building collapsed in Tainan city. The earthquake struck in the early hours of February 6, Taipei time. Officials say four buildings have collapsed. According to local reports, at least eight towers have been damaged in this earthquake. Reports from Taiwan indicate that rescuers are currently focusing their efforts on extracting residents from the collapsed 17-story tower. Rescue teams have entered the fallen tower through its windows and are trying to reach those trapped under the rubble. According to local media 'Apple Daily' in Tainan, 220 people have been rescued alive from the rubble so far. The China Post also reports that at least 250 people were residents of this tower. In other parts of Tainan city, some buildings have also collapsed, but reports indicate that rescue teams have been able to pull victims from the fallen buildings in the early hours after the earthquake. Taiwan is a seismically active region, and devastating earthquakes have repeatedly led to the destruction of structures and the loss of hundreds of lives. In 1999, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake on the island resulted in the deaths of 2,400 people. In a 2013 earthquake, which was nearly as powerful as Saturday's quake, landslides occurred in many areas, resulting in four deaths.