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According to officials in Taiwan, at least ten people have died, and 1,038 others have been injured following a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that occurred off the island’s east coast on Wednesday morning. The powerful tremor, the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, has also left at least 52 individuals missing and uncontactable as search and rescue operations continue.

The earthquake’s impact was most severe in Hualien, along the picturesque east coast, where buildings now stand unstable after their lower floors gave way. The quake also caused significant damage to the area’s infrastructure, destroying bridges, tunnels, and roads obstructed by debris from landslides. Among the incidents, a rockslide in Taroko National Park claimed the lives of three individuals.

Rescue efforts have been wide-ranging, employing drones and helicopters to locate those feared trapped in the affected areas, including Taroko National Park, known for its natural beauty. The focus is particularly on around 38 hotel workers en route to their workplace in the park, who remain unaccounted for, though some of their colleagues have been located and are safe.

Located on the boundary of the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates, Taiwan is familiar with earthquakes. Despite this, the strength of the recent quake caught many by surprise.