PORT MORESBY, PAUPA NEW GUINEA - A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea's remote New Ireland area Thursday, seismologists said, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The epicentre of the strong quake, which hit at 06:10 am (4.10 am Singapore time), was located 103 kilometres south-southwest of the town of Kavieng, New Ireland, the US Geological Survey said. It took place at a
shallow depth of 19 kilometres.

There was no immediate Tsunami warning issued. Papua New Guinea sits on the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where continental plates meet. The region is frequently hit by earthquakes.