(VOVworld) - The death toll in the 6.7 Richter scale earthquake in southern Taiwan increased to 35 people, 34 of whom were killed in a collapsed 17-story building in Tainan city.

Death toll in the earthquake in Taiwan increases to 35 (Photo: AFP)

The efforts of rescuers focused on removing the debris left over from a collapsed building. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences to the victims and reiterated its offer to provide assistance. The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and China’s Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office pledged to provide any necessary support for the earthquake-hit area.