Taiwan has been struck by its most powerful earthquake in 25 years, which measured 7.4 in magnitude.

Officials have confirmed at least seven people have died while rescuers are pulling out people trapped in collapsed buildings.

The epicentre is located about 18km south of Taiwan’s Hualien city, according to the US Geological Survey. The remote, mountainous region of Hualien was rocked by huge landslides, causing damage which could take weeks to repair. Tremors were felt as far as the capital Taipei, with videos showing buildings shaking violently. The quake initially set off tsunami warnings on the island and neighbouring countries, some of which have since been retracted.

Taiwan’s National Fire Agency have said 711 people have been injured in the earthquake; while 77 people remain “trapped”.