The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said a 6.9-magnitude earthquake within a radius of 300 kilometers (186 miles) off the coast of southeastern Taiwan could trigger a dangerous tsunami.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning for Miyako Island in the East China Sea, which struck Yujing County in rural Taiwan after the quake was 10 kilometers deep.
They show photos of buildings destroyed by a powerful earthquake in southern Taiwan. It was first recorded at 7.2 before the USGS lowered it to 6.9.
The island's official Central News Agency (CNA) said three people were trapped under the rubble of the building. A fourth man was saved.
According to the Taiwan Railway Administration, about 20 passengers were safely evacuated after a local train derailed.