Taiwan Earthquake: Operations underway to rescue those trapped

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This was the scene, just minutes before midnight. The ground trembling, people running, looking for safety. The quake struck about 20 kilometers northeast of Taiwan's popular tourist city, Hualien. Around a hundred-thousand people live there. The epicenter was shallow - meaning, it could be more strongly felt on land.

A handful of buildings in Hualien were damaged. One hotel collapsed trapping people inside. At least 200 people were reported injured. Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen announced an "all-out effort to rescue" those who need help. These emergency responders are headed to Hualien.

EMERGENCY CREW MEMBER "There are 36 of us, and we also have three rescue dogs. We are gathering at the airport and taking a plane there. Then, we'll divide into five groups: search, rescue, medical, logistics, and command."

Taiwan lies in the Pacific area known as the "Ring of Fire" in part because earthquakes are so common. Nearly a hundred smaller tremors were detected before Tuesday night's major quake. Officials are warning people to brace for more powerful quakes in the coming days. Roee Ruttenberg, CGTN.