A strong earthquake struck offshore eastern Taiwan late on December 27, triggering precautionary evacuations at a small number of semiconductor facilities while leaving overall operations largely unaffected, according to company statements and local authorities.

Seismic monitoring agencies reported that the earthquake, which occurred at 11:05 p.m. local time off the coast of Yilan County, measured between magnitude 6.6 and 7.0, with focal depths estimated at roughly 60 kilometers to 72.8 kilometers. The tremor was felt across much of Taiwan and surrounding islands.

The world's largest contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), listed in Taiwan under code 2330, said a small number of its facilities at Hsinchu Science Park reached evacuation thresholds. "Prioritising personnel safety, we are conducting outdoor evacuations and headcounts in accordance with emergency response procedures," TSMC said in a statement, adding that safety systems at all sites were operating normally.

Another major foundry, Taiwan-based United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), said preliminary checks confirmed all on-duty personnel were safe. Employees followed standard procedures, including sheltering in place or evacuating as required, with no injuries reported.

Seismic intensity reached level 4 in multiple regions, including Yilan, New Taipei, Hualien, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Nantou, Miaoli, Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan, while Kaohsiung and Pingtung recorded level 3. Authorities said the impact extended across Taiwan and nearby islands.

Science park operators reported limited disruptions. Power supply at Hsinchu Science Park remained normal, though some buildings in a nearby biomedical park experienced elevator malfunctions. In Taoyuan's Longtan area, several companies evacuated staff during the quake before allowing them to return. Operations at the Central Taiwan Science Park continued as scheduled.

In southern Taiwan, seismic readings showed moderate shaking—equivalent to intensity levels 2 to 3—in Tainan, Kaohsiung and Nanzih. Officials said manufacturing operations and construction projects in the Southern Taiwan Science Park were not affected.

Taiwan Power Company said electricity generation, including thermal and nuclear plants, was unaffected. A brief outage impacting 3,465 households near Yilan's Dong'ao substation was fully restored by 11:15 p.m. on December 27.

Authorities said the situation remains under monitoring and that further updates will be released if conditions change.