The death toll from a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan reached 10 people by Thursday, with hundreds more stranded or trapped, according to Taiwanese officials.

At least 11 individuals were reported missing, and approximately 705 people required rescue. An increased number of 688 individuals were stranded near the Silks Palace Hotel and Tien Hsiang Youth Activity Center.

Rescue efforts were underway, with a focus on providing aid and finding ways to evacuate those in need. Six students from Tung Hua University remained stranded.

The earthquake, which struck near Hualien on the eastern coast, was followed by over 100 aftershocks, including one measuring 6.5 in magnitude, ABC News reported.

Search and rescue teams had begun reaching some of the stranded individuals, including one with apparent leg injuries.

Efforts were being made to assess weather conditions for continued rescue operations.

Written by B.C. Begley