Terrifying Earthquake Traps Hundreds! Dramatic Rescue Footage Revealed!

Rescuers in Taiwan sprang into action to free dozens of people trapped in highway tunnels following the island's most powerful earthquake in 25 years on Wednesday. 

The quake, measuring 7.4 in magnitude, struck the east coast at 7:58 a.m. local time, 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Hualien city and at a depth of 34.8 kilometers (21 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. 

It was followed by several strong aftershocks felt across the island.

Taiwan's National Fire Agency (NFA) reported at least nine deaths and more than 900 injuries. Among the casualties were three hikers killed by falling rocks in the popular tourist spot Taroko Gorge and a truck driver killed by falling rocks near a tunnel on the east coast's Suhua Highway.

Emergency responders rescued 75 people stranded in various tunnels in Hualien County, with 137 people still trapped as of 7 a.m. 

Eastern Time. Among those trapped were 50 employees of Silk's Place Hotel Taroko, who were traveling in four minibuses.

Two German citizens caught in a tunnel in Hualien County were also rescued.

Extensive damage has been reported, including collapsed buildings in Hualien County, thousands of homes without power, and a major highway closed due to landslides and rockfalls. 

Most of the trapped individuals are in two road tunnels in northern Hualien County, with two German nationals stranded in a third tunnel, according to the NFA.

The earthquake initially triggered tsunami warnings in Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines, but all warnings were later lifted. 

Military personnel were dispatched to aid in disaster relief in Taiwan, and schools and workplaces suspended operations due to aftershocks.

Taiwan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes. 

The recent quake is the strongest since 1999. Hualien County, home to about 300,000 people on the island's sparsely populated east coast, was particularly affected. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with over 100 buildings damaged across the island. More than 91,000 households are without electricity, and efforts are underway to restore power.

Videos on social media show collapsed buildings and residents helping trapped individuals escape. 

The earthquake occurred during the morning rush hour, with footage showing vehicles bouncing on a vigorously shaking highway and commuters struggling to stand inside a juddering Taipei metro train.

Transportation has been impacted, with several tunnels and highways closed due to rockfalls and landslides. 

The quake also prompted tsunami warnings, with waves reaching almost half a meter in Taiwan's Chenggong. 

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert for the southern Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, with waves up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) high. All flights from Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures were suspended following the tsunami warnings.