Strong earthquake hits eastern Caribbean countries

Havana -- A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit the eastern Caribbean but no injuries or damages were reported immediately.

The US Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center said the Sunday quake was some 160 km southwest of Manzanillo, Cuba.

The quake, which occurred before 4:00 p.m. (2100 GMT), was felt in Jamaica, the Caiman Islands and in several Cuban provinces including Granma, Santiago and Guantanamo.

No tsunami warnings were issued for the Caribbean and no tsunami activity was observed in the region, the reports said.

Experts expected no major damage of the quake as it was far enough off the coast. Tremors are relatively common in the area, which lies on the boundary between two tectonic plates.