6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Greek island of Lefkada

Greek authorities say a strong earthquake has hit the western island of Lefkada, but there have been no reports of injuries or damage.

The Athens Geodynamic Institute says the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 and occurred at 9:10 am (0710 GMT) today off Greece's western mainland, some 300 kilometers west of Athens.

Earthquakes are common in Greece, which is one of the world's most seismically active areas, though serious injuries and deaths are rare.

More than 100 people died in a severe quake near Athens in 1999.