A 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, killing one person, injuring dozens, and sparking a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines that was later lifted.

According to Taiwan's fire department, one person is suspected of having been crushed to death by falling rocks in Hualien, where the epicenter was, with more than 50 injured.

At least 26 buildings have collapsed, more than half in Hualien, with about 20 people trapped and rescue work ongoing, it said.



Taiwan television stations showed footage of buildings at precarious angles in Hualien, where the quake struck just offshore around 8am (0000GMT) as people went to work and school.

According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, the quake was 15.5km (9.6 miles) deep.

"It was very strong. It felt as if the house was going to topple," said 60-year-old Taipei hospital worker Chang Yu-Lin.

Taiwan's high-speed rail operator said no damage or injuries were reported on its trains, but it noted that trains will be delayed while it carries out inspections.

Semiconductor giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (2330.TW), opens new tab said it had evacuated some fabrication plants and its safety systems were operating normally.

"To ensure the safety of personnel, some fabs were evacuated according to company procedure. We are currently confirming the details of the impact," according to the company.

It later added that those evacuated were beginning to return to their workplaces.

Shares of TSMC were down 1.4% in early trade, while Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab supplier Foxconn's stock fell more than 2% and shares of flat panel maker Au Optronics dropped 1.7%.