The Republic of Korea (ROK) ordered civilians on the western border island of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong to evacuate to shelters, amid "apparent signs of a military provocation" by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Yonhap News Agency reported Friday, citing military officials.

The DPRK fired some 200 artillery shells in the area north of Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island, starting from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m Friday morning, Seoul's military said.

The emergency evacuation order was given at 12:02 p.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at the request of the ROK's military, the report said, citing the local county office.