TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, said on Saturday that some of its facilities in the Hsinchu science park, where it is headquartered, reached evacuation criteria following an earthquake.
“Prioritising personnel safety, we are conducting outdoor evacuations and headcounts in accordance with emergency response procedures. Work safety systems at all facilities are operating normally,” it said in a brief statement.
A 6.6-magnitude earthquake has struck just off the coast of Taiwan on Dec. 27, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The quake’s epicenter was about 20 miles east of Yilan County, Taiwan, and it struck at about 11:05 p.m. local time. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration rated the earthquake as a 7.0 in magnitude.
The magnitude and effect of an earthquake:
- Below 2.5: Generally not felt
- 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage
- 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings
- 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage
- 7.0 to 7.9: Major earthquake. Serious damage.
- 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can destroy communities
Source: TSMC, Reuters
