6.4 Earthquake Strikes Southern Taiwan at Midnight... TSMC Factory Workers Evacuate

The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau reported that a magnitude 6.4 earthquake occurred in the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan early on the 21st (local time). As a result of the earthquake, there was a commotion with workers evacuating from the Tainan Science Park, where TSMC, the world's largest foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) company, is located.

Reuters Yonhap News

According to the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau, the earthquake measuring 6.4 occurred around 0:17 AM in Tainan City (latitude 23.24°N, longitude 120.51°E). The China Earthquake Networks Center reported the magnitude as 6.2. The epicenter depth was 14 km.

According to SCMP and the Associated Press, 15 people trapped in collapsed buildings and unable to evacuate were rescued. All were confirmed to have sustained minor injuries, and some of the injured were transported to hospitals.

Taiwan authorities stated, "No fatalities have been reported, but there have been aftereffects such as water and electricity outages, and damage assessments are ongoing." They also announced that schools in nearby areas such as Nansi and Dapu will be closed starting from that day.

Workers also evacuated from the Tainan Science Park, home to TSMC, the world's largest foundry company, but no casualties were reported. It is known that semiconductor companies, including TSMC, have strengthened seismic design and installed protective devices on critical semiconductor equipment in preparation for earthquakes.

TSMC stated, "We evacuated workers at factories in central and southern Taiwan, and their safety has been confirmed."

This earthquake was caused by the collision between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Continental Plate. Taiwan authorities warned that aftershocks of magnitude 5.0 or higher may occur within the next three days and urged caution.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.