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SYDNEY (AFP) - A strong earthquake packing a magnitude of 6.1 struck the Papua New Guinea island of New Britain on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey.

The quake hit 58 kilometres (36 miles) southwest of the regional town of Rabaul at 11:03 am (0103 GMT), and was centred 128 kilometres below the earth's surface.

No reports of damage or injuries were immediately received.

The New Britain region of the Pacific island nation is home to many active volcanoes and sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where several tectonic plates collide.

The region is frequently rocked by earthquakes.