SYDNEY >> A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of the South Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea. There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries and no tsunami alert has been issued.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-6.3 quake struck Tuesday about 100 miles east of the town of Kandrian on the island of New Britain. The quake struck at a depth of 6 miles at 7:05 p.m. Hawaii time Monday night, 3:05 p.m. local time.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami alert.

Earthquakes are common in Papua New Guinea. The country lies on the "Ring of Fire" — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones that stretches around the Pacific Rim. About 90 percent of the world’s quakes occur in the region.