A strong earthquake has struck Japan, near the nuclear power plant which was hit by a tsunami earlier this year.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The US Geological Survey said the magnitude-5.9 quake struck 62 miles (101km) east of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant at a depth of 23 miles (37km).

The quake hit 151 miles (244km) north-east of Tokyo.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre did not immediately issue a tsunami alert.

The region lies on the "Ring of Fire" - an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones which stretches around the Pacific Rim. About 90% of the world's earthquakes occur in the region.

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