A RARE earthquake has rattled Hong Kong, prompting concerned local residents to call the authorities, the Hong Kong Observatory says.

There were no reports of damage from the quake which had a magnitude of 4.2, according to the US Geological Survey, adding that it struck at a relatively shallow depth of 19km in tyhe early hours of the morning.

It hit the Chinese province of Guangdong, some 11km northeast of Dongguan - a factory hub - which is around 100km from Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Observatory measured the quake at 4.5 magnitude and said it was felt by residents in the glitzy financial hub.

Originally published as Rare earthquake felt in Hong Kong