Wellington, June 23 (QNA) - An earthquake measuring 5.3 magnitude on the Richter scale struck Tuesday the Kermadec Islands off the coast of New Zealand.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 140.3 km, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, the US Geological Survey reported.

The Kermadec Islands, located about 1,000 km northeast of New Zealand's North Island, are frequently struck by strong earthquakes. (QNA)