TSMC's Japan fab evacuates staff after strong earthquake

Taipei/Tokyo, July 28 (CNA) Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc. (JASM), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (TSMC) subsidiary in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, evacuated employees after a powerful earthquake struck the region Tuesday afternoon, according to the company.

In a statement, TSMC said the evacuation was carried out in accordance with its emergency response procedures after the quake met its evacuation criteria, adding that ensuring employee safety was its top priority.

All personnel inside and outside the facility were evacuated and were being accounted for, the company said.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck at 4:27 p.m. local time and registered a maximum intensity of 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, according to Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK).

Kikuyō Town, where the JASM fabrication plant is located, recorded a seismic intensity of upper 5, NHK reported.

Authorities were assessing the impact of the earthquake, while the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for affected coastal areas, according to NHK.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) expressed his condolences in a Japanese-language post on X on behalf of the people of Taiwan, saying he was praying for the safety of those affected.

Lai added that Taiwan and Japan are true friends who have stood by each other through difficult times, and said Taiwan stands ready to assist if needed.