Above: the Dominican Republic

By the Caribbean Journal staff

A 3.9-magnitude earthquake struck just off the coast of the Dominican Republic early Thursday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The quake, which occurred at about 3:18 AM local time, had its epicentre around 45 kilometres north of Otra Banda, and about 50 kilometres north-northeast of Salvaleon de Higuey.

That was about 158 kilometres east-northeast of Santo Domingo.

The quake struck at a depth of about 176 kilometres.

There were no reports of damage or injuries on the mainland.