Athens - A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale rattled the eastern Dodecanese islands and was felt as far away as the island of Cyprus, reports said Tuesday.

The underwater quake occurred shortly after 6 am at 40 kilometres below sea level.

The earthquake was especially strong on the islands of Rhodes, Crete, Samos and Santorini.

There were no reports of damage or injury. (dpa)