Taiwan’s TSMC, long recognized as the nation’s leading semiconductor producer, began moving staff away from factory sites after a strong earthquake rattled the region. Bloomberg reported that the evacuation was a swift safety measure while teams inspected facilities for any damage or safety concerns.
Experts note that semiconductor manufacturing hinges on exceptional precision. Even small ground movements or vibrations can disrupt cleanroom conditions and jeopardize entire chip batches. At present, TSMC is carrying out a comprehensive plant assessment to identify operational risks and gauge the level of structural impact.
Sources emphasize that the company maintains deep collaborations with international partners, including major U.S. technology firms. Apple and Nvidia are mentioned in coverage as among the global players connected to TSMC, underscoring the widespread reach of its supply chain.
The seismic event struck early in the morning on April 3, with the U.S. Geological Survey initially reporting a magnitude of 7.5. The figure was later revised to 7.7 by the Japan Meteorological Agency as seismologists continued to analyze aftershocks and energy release.
Local media outlet TVBS reported structural damage in one city, noting the collapse of several buildings in the quake’s initial moments. The affected area centered on Hualien, where residents faced major disruption and emergency services were mobilized to respond quickly.
Beyond the tremor on land, a tsunami generated by the offshore quake reached the Yonaguni coast in Japan, leading to precautionary measures and maritime alerts for coastal communities across the region.