Initial tsunami warnings were triggered in Japan and the Philippines after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan.
Buildings collapsed in Hualien, the city closest to the epicentre of the 7.2 magnitude quake, reported to be the strongest to hit the country in 25 years.
Multiple aftershocks were felt in the capital city of Taipei in the hour after the initial quake which occurred at 7.58am local time today (Wednesday).
The Foreign Office issued a warning to “expect travel disruption” as shocks from the earthquake were felt across the island.
“Aftershocks continue to occur and you should expect travel disruption,” the travel alert said.
At least seven people were reported to have been killed in the earthquake and more than 700 injured due to landslides, with rescue services attempting to reach residents trapped in partially collapsed buildings in Hualien, on the east coast of Taiwan.
An in-town check-in service operated by Taipei’s international airport was temporarily suspended due to the earthquake and continued aftershocks
A tsunami advisory issued by Japan’s Meteorological Agency for the Miyakojima and Yaeyama islands and the Okinawa main island were lifted, according to the BBC.
But flights were halted to and from Okinawa’s main airport in the city of Naha.
The Philippines, which lies to the south of Taiwan, also declared a tsunami alert for its northern coastline.