Workers in Taiwan are tearing down a building in Hualien City tilted by a powerful earthquake two days ago as the search continues for missing people in the region.

The magnitude 7.2 quake struck Taiwan's eastern coast off Hualien County on Wednesday. Authorities say it left at least 10 people dead and more than 1,100 injured.

Authorities are searching for 18 missing people, including four foreign nationals.

The quake damaged 806 buildings across Taiwan.

Among them, a nine-story building in central Hualien City, near the quake's hypocenter, leaned significantly after the quake, trapping people temporarily and resulting in one death.

Due to the risk of collapse, local authorities began work on Friday to demolish the building.

Before the work started, about 20 local officials and construction workers gathered at the site to pray for the safety of the operation.

Experts say about 30 buildings in Hualien City require immediate action, such as demolition or reinforcement.