TAIPEI – On the morning of April 3rd, the island of Formosa was hit with the biggest earthquake in 25 years, injuring more than 1,000 people and killing 13. Near the epicenter of the 7.2 magnitude quake, buildings across Hualien county were severely affected, with many collapsing entirely under the force of the tremors.

Foreign media from around the globe have reported on the disaster, and particularly focused on the semiconductor manufacturing company, TSMC. In a statement to NBC News, a spokesperson said that their two biggest plants in Tainan and Hsinchu were operating normally, and most machinery, including the EUV machines, were unharmed.

“All personnel are safe, and those evacuated are beginning to return to their workplaces,” the company said in a statement. “The company is currently confirming the details of the impact.”

However, the shocks didn’t leave the production line completely unscathed. According to an unnamed DigiTimes Source, the seismic interruption will cost the company around $62 million. Even though the most expensive machinery was safe, factory infrastructure was severely damaged.

Modern semiconductor fabs have largely benefited from precautions taken during construction. As a result of the devastating earthquake of 928 in 1999, TSMC and other industries have readily adopted seismic management procedures; thus, the buildings in the center of the industry are all built to withstand the earthquakes that are common in Taiwan. As a result, the most expensive and sensitive machinery is installed in a way to further isolate it from any shocks and vibrations.

Works Cited

Digitimes. “April 3rd Earthquake in Taiwan.” DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain, http://www.digitimes.com/topic/april_3rd_earthquake_in_taiwan/a001641.html?dt_ref=featured. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

“Taiwan’s Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years Kills at Least 9.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/earthquake-taiwan-tsunami-rcna146140. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

“TSMC Estimates Losses of $92.4 Million Due to Taiwan Earthquake.” CNA, http://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/tsmc-estimates-losses-924-million-due-taiwan-earthquake-4275741. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.