A major earthquake has struck off Taiwan's eastern coast prompting tsunami warnings throughout the region.
The 7.7 magnitude quake, had its epicenter 18 kilometers south of the city of Hualien and struck around 9am local time.
A tsunami warning was issued following the quake with residents on the island's northern coast told to evacuate to higher ground.
The earthquake is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years.
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there are 137 New Zealanders registered to be in Taiwan.
Delphine Herbert speaks to Susana Leiataua.
