Taiwan earthquake caused destruction from coast to coast

Boulders cover a highway in Taichung, in western Taiwan. The epicenter of Wednesday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake was about 25 kilometers (15 miles) off the eastern coast, in Hualien County. It was the country's strongest in 25 years, according to Wu Chien-fu, the director of the Seismological Center in Taipei.

A building in Hualien, Taiwan's worst-hit city, has partially collapsed. Authorities say more than 70 people are still trapped in buildings. At least nine people died and hundreds were injured, according to the national fire authority.

The tremors were felt as far north as Taiwan's capital, Taipei, as visible in this car repair shop. In Japan and the Philippines, the earthquake triggered a temporary warning of a 3-meter (10-foot) tsunami. Tremors were also recorded in China and the Philippines.

The military is searching for survivors in Hualien. According to the fire department, at least 26 buildings have collapsed in the city. Rescuers are in danger because some of the houses are at very precarious angles.

The earthquake sent wares tumbling at this supermarket in Yilan, in northeastern Taiwan. The island state regularly experiences seismic activity as it is located near the confluence of two tectonic plates.

Tunnels are also particularly dangerous locations during earthquakes. Authorities estimate that more than 120 people were trapped. Two Germans who were trapped in a tunnel were reportedly brought to safety.