A massive earthquake struck Taiwan before dawn Tuesday local time, cutting off power and communications across the island and collapsing buildings in the capital, Taipei.
Massive quake rocks Taiwan.
Taiwan's government reports at least 637 dead and nearly 3,000 injured. At least 100 homes were destroyed nationwide. Most of the victims were found in Taichung and nearby Nantou, located near the epicenter. The quake wrecked the 78-room Sungshan Hotel in Taipei, collapsing the bottom three stories and setting the badly damaged top of the building listing to one side. At least 49 people were evacuated, but 60 more were feared trapped inside as firefighters poured water on the wreckage.