Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Sunday expressed sadness over an earthquake that struck Taiwan and contributed money for relief and rehabilitation.

In a letter to Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou, the Dalai Lama conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the well-being of those who were injured or lost their homes.

As a mark of his sympathy and solidarity with the people of Taiwan, he is making a token donation towards the relief and rescue work, an official statement by his private office here said.

At least 11 people were killed and 462 others injured in a powerful quake that hit Taiwan on Saturday.

Over 170 people were still unaccounted for after the 6.7-magnitude quake hit Kaohsiung city at 3.57 a.m. (Beijing Time), Xinhua quoted China Earthquake Networks Centre as saying.