Rescue teams are currently searching for a family of five who are feared trapped in a rockslide following Taiwan's most significant earthquake in 25 years, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals.
Two bodies have been discovered in Taroko National Park, a popular tourist destination known for its rugged, mountainous landscapes in Hualien County, approximately 90 miles from Taipei.
Authorities have located at least four other victims within the park, but their identities are yet to be confirmed.
The You family had embarked on a hiking trip after visiting ancestral sites for traditional grave-sweeping observances.
The 7.4-magnitude quake on Wednesday triggered the descent of boulders and mud from the mountains, obstructing roads, damaging vehicles, and causing injuries to over 1,000 people.
Efforts are underway in Hualien's county seat to dismantle the five-story Tien Wang Hsing building, which is leaning at a precarious angle, one of numerous structures damaged across the island.
Residents, wearing motorcycle and construction helmets, are salvaging legal documents and other belongings before the building's demolition using large cement-penetrating drills.
Tragically, a school teacher lost her life in the building when she returned to her apartment to retrieve her cat, just as an aftershock hit, leading to further collapse.
The relatively low number of casualties and swift response are credited to stricter construction safety standards and the replacement of older buildings with earthquake-resistant modern structures.
Emergency services have enhanced their equipment and training, aided by civic organizations like the Red Cross and the Buddhist Tzu Chi charitable foundation, which have provided meals and established shelters in school gymnasiums and other public venues for the displaced.
The powerful quake struck during the morning rush hour, prompting schoolchildren to evacuate outdoors and families to flee their homes through windows.
Some buildings experienced ground floor collapses, leaving them tilted at dangerous angles.
Despite Taiwan's frequent seismic activity and overall readiness, authorities did not issue the usual alerts due to expectations of a smaller quake.
Hualien's last major quake occurred in 2018, claiming 17 lives and causing the collapse of a historic hotel.
Taiwan's most devastating recent earthquake struck on September 21, 1999, with a magnitude of 7.7, resulting in 2,400 fatalities, around 100,000 injuries, and the destruction of numerous structures.