SINGAPORE - Singaporeans who have been planning to travel to Taiwan in the coming weeks have had to make changes to their plans in the wake of an earthquake which hit eastern Taiwan on April 3.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake, which struck the island’s eastern city of Hualien in the morning, toppled buildings and caused landslides, knocking out power in several parts of the capital Taipei.

At least seven people have been reported killed and over 700 injured.

Tremors from the earthquake were also felt in the Philippines, southern islands of Japan and as far north as the Chinese city of Shanghai.

The Philippines and Japan had earlier issued tsunami alerts and at least two dozen incoming flights were diverted from Okinawa’s airport.

Ms Janice Lai, in her 30s, told The Straits Times that she made the decision to cancel a family trip to Taiwan after her helper alerted her to the earthquake.

“Our helper heard about the news from her friends working in Taiwan,” she said.

The business development manager said the trip was meant to have taken place from April 11 to 18 and would have been the first holiday to Taiwan as a family for herself, her husband and two children aged two and five.

Their itinerary included Taipei, Yilan and Hualien, near the earthquake’s epicentre.

Ms Lai said that so far she has been able to recoup some of the $2,500 spent on accommodation and car rental but was unable to get a refund on the flight tickets.

Others like Geraldine, who declined to reveal her last name, said while she would still be proceeding with her holiday to Taiwan this month, there was some worry...