The Thai Air Force (RTAF) has prepared a C-130 aircraft as part of a contingency plan to evacuate Thai nationals from Taiwan if necessary, its spokesperson AVM Boonlert Andara said today.

On Wednesday, the east coast of Taiwan was struck by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, causing landslides and collapsing structures.

It is the strongest tremor to hit Taiwan for 25 years. At least nine people have died and more than 900 others have been injured, with over 100 buildings damaged.

There have been no reports of Thais affected by the quake so far.

Boonlert told reporters that the Air Force commander in chief, AM Punpakdee Pattanakul, has issued an order to prepare for the evacuation or transport of humanitarian assistance to Taiwan.

“We are ready in case the government requires us to extend assistance,” the spokesperson said.

The RTAF had previously flown its C-130 aircraft to evacuate Thai nationals from quake-hit Turkey and Sudan.