Taiwan earthquake death toll rises to 10 as island's infrastructure tested

TAIPEI -- Rescue personnel in Taiwan on Thursday were working to reach survivors of the major earthquake that struck the island the previous day, as the disaster drew comparisons with a temblor 25 years ago and focused attention on the resilience of infrastructure.

The death toll rose to 10, local authorities announced at 4:40 p.m. local time, after the number had held steady at nine overnight. They also reported that 660 people were known to be trapped -- clarifying that this meant the survivors were contacted and confirmed safe -- while 38 people were missing or could not be contacted. Most of those who were trapped were related to the Tianxiang Silk Place Taroko Hotel and an activity center in a national park.