A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hits Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, halting operations at over a dozen semiconductor factories including TSMC, Sony, and TEL - IT之家

A 6.8-magnitude quake hit Kumamoto, Japan, triggering over 100 aftershocks and damage to roads, homes, and power systems.

TSMC, Sony, TEL, Renesas and other firms in Kumamoto evacuated staff and suspended operations for safety inspections.

Several auto parts and motorcycle plants also paused production, though some facilities later resumed.

As a key semiconductor hub, the quake could disrupt chip supply chains and related auto and electronics output.