A powerful earthquake of a 6.9 magnitude has hit off the shores of Japan's southern Okinawa Island at about 11.59 a.m. local time on Tuesday Nov. 8.

Initial reports state that the quake struck about 135 miles northwest of Naha, Okinawa, and 497 kilometers (309 miles) from Taipei, Taiwan, the United States Geological Survey has reported.

Despite the trembler’s apparent strength the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue any alerts, saying there was no tsunami generated by the quake.

There were also no reports of immediate damage or injuries.

The earthquake is sure to act as a reminder of the massive quake and tsunami that hit earlier this year.

On March 11, 2011 northeastern Japan was left devastated when a massive earthquake and tsunami struck and left just under 20,000 people dead.

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Japan lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," which makes the country one of the world's most seismically active countries.