The semiconductor manufacturer TSMC announced that all its factories in Taiwan have resumed operations following the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that shook the island on January 21. The epicenter of the quake was located in the village of Xixing in Dapu District, Chiayi County, causing significant infrastructure damage and leaving 26 people injured, according to Taiwan’s Fire Department.
Impact on TSMC Facilities
In response to the earthquake, TSMC immediately activated its safety protocols at its facilities in the Southern and Central Science Parks, as well as at its headquarters in Hsinchu. According to an official statement from the company, the factories in the Southern Science Park experienced a maximum seismic intensity of level 5, while those in the Central region reached level 4 and those in the North level 3.
After conducting preventive evacuations and completing structural inspections, TSMC confirmed that no significant damage was reported and that all operations gradually resumed. Additionally, it stated that the water, energy, and safety systems are functioning normally.
“The safety of our personnel is our priority. After the necessary inspections, operations have returned to normal at all our sites,” the company stated in its report.
Earthquakes: A Recurring Challenge for TSMC
Taiwan, located in a seismically active region, regularly faces earthquakes that impact its industrial infrastructure. In April 2024, a 7.2 magnitude quake forced TSMC to temporarily suspend operations at several factories and halt the construction of new projects. The company also activated typhoon preparedness alerts in October of that year.
These events underscore the challenges the technology industry faces in disaster-prone regions, highlighting the importance of having efficient emergency protocols and resilient infrastructure.
The Strategic Importance of TSMC
As the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, TSMC plays a crucial role in the global technology industry, supplying chips to giants like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm. The company operates 12 factories in Taiwan, concentrated on the western coast of the island, and its ability to recover from events like earthquakes is vital to ensuring the stability of global supply chains.
Safety Recommendations After the Earthquake
In the midst of the emergency, Taiwan’s Fire Department urged the public to follow earthquake safety measures: crouch, cover, and hold on. Aerial inspections were also carried out to assess damage in the affected areas, highlighting the importance of reviewing the structural integrity of buildings.
A Call to Be More Resilient
Although the earthquake revealed the vulnerability of key infrastructures, TSMC’s swift response demonstrates the effectiveness of its emergency protocols. This incident reinforces the need to continue investing in safety measures and adaptations to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the technology industry.