The video will start in 8 Cancel

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

(Image: USGS)

An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Japan, this morning.

The shaker – which is classed as "strong" – was near the island of Okinawa, which has a population of more than 1.4million.

Almost 16,000 people were killed by an earthquake off Japan's coast in 2011.

The under-sea tremor – which has a similar depth to today's quake – caused a tsunami, which led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

(Image: USGS)

The epicentre was in the Pacific Ocean – between Japan, China, South Korea and the Philippines, which has a population of 100million.

The island of Taiwan – where 24million people live – is very near.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the quake, which hit at a depth of 21 miles, about 166 miles east of Okinawa.

(Image: USGS)

The US Geological Survey – which monitors earthquakes and volcanoes worldwide – said there is a "low likelihood" of casualties and damage.There is a one in three chance up to 10 people could be killed – and only a 4% chance of more deaths.

The 1.4million people who leave nearby will have felt "weak" effects.

A USGS spokesman said: "Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking – though vulnerable structures exist.

"The predominant vulnerable building types are low-rise concrete wall and light wood frame construction."

(Image: USGS)

Japan lies on the notorious "Ring of Fire" – land around the Pacific Ocean regularly rocked by earthquakes and volcanoes.

A powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia – also in the region – back in May.

Two people were killed and more than 120 injured when an earthquake hit the Mediterranean last week.

A series of earthquakes in Wyoming has sparked fears a giant supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park could blow.