YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. A powerful earthquake struck in southern Taiwan on February 6, toppling buildings and leaving at least seven people dead and hundreds more injured, officials said, NBC News reported, as “Armenpress” informs.

The 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck about 30 miles east of Tainan, a city of more than 1.8 million, just before 4 a.m. the U.S. Geological Survey said.

At least 403 people were hurt in the quake, which caused nine buildings to topple and five more to tilt, Taiwan's National Fire Agency said.

The 16-story Wei Guan residential building in Tainan collapsed, setting off a frantic search effort that involved more than 200 firefighters, authorities said. Other buildings were left tilted at alarming angles.

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said every effort was being taken to rescue survivors. A 1,200-bed shelter was established at a nearby military school.