Wellington (ANTARA News/AFP) - A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand`s North Island near Rotorua, the US Geological Survey said Thursday, but there were no immediate reports of damage and no tsunami warnings issued.

The quake hit at a depth of 153 kilometres (95 miles) around 42 kms southwest of the town of Rotorua at 3:02am local time (1502 GMT Thursday), the USGS said.

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue any advice following the quake.

In September a major 7.0-magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction in Christchurch on the nation`s South Island. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011