A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck southern Taiwan on January 21, 2025, prompting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to evacuate its facilities in a region vital for global chip supply. The quake’s epicenter was located in Dapu township, Chiayi county, at a depth of 9.4 kilometers, according to Taiwan’s weather administration.
- 6.4 magnitude earthquake hits southern Taiwan.
- TSMC evacuates critical semiconductor facilities.
- Minor injuries reported; structural damage minimal.
- Previous earthquake in April caused fatalities.
- TSMC stock down 0.45% post-quake.
- TAIEX index slightly declines by 0.032%.
The earthquake occurred early Tuesday, affecting operations at TSMC, which supplies chips to major tech companies like Apple Inc. and NVIDIA Corp. The company confirmed that staff were evacuated from its central and southern Taiwan facilities. Reports indicate that while there was minimal structural damage, the incident has raised concerns about the stability of semiconductor production in the region.
At least 15 individuals sustained minor injuries, with six people rescued from a collapsed house in Tainan city, where TSMC operates significant fabrication plants. This earthquake follows a more severe 7.4 magnitude quake in April 2024, which resulted in 13 fatalities and significant disruptions to semiconductor operations.
- Magnitude: 6.4
- Location: Dapu township, Chiayi county
- Depth: 9.4 kilometers
- Injuries: At least 15 reported
- Previous significant quake: 7.4 magnitude in April 2024
Taiwan’s geographical position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it prone to seismic activity. Past earthquakes in 2016 and 1999 caused substantial casualties and industrial disruptions. TSMC’s stock was trading at NT$ 1,115 ($34.15), down 0.45%, while the TAIEX index was at 23,259.39, reflecting a slight decline for the day.
This earthquake highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, which plays a crucial role in the global technology supply chain. As recovery efforts begin, the focus will be on assessing damage and ensuring the safety of workers in the affected regions.
