TOKYO –– A fairly strong earthquake struck parts of southern Okinawa and Taiwan on Tuesday, generating small tsunami, or ocean waves caused by seismic activity, officials said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The quake, which had an estimated preliminary magnitude of 7.3, was located off the coast of Taiwan and several small islands in Okinawa, Japan's southernmost state, Meteorological Agency officials in Tokyo said.

The quake was centered about six miles under the sea floor about 90 miles west-southwest of Ishigaki island, which has a population of about 41,000.

Japan's Meteorological Agency estimated the size of the tsunami at about 20 inches.

Live video from Ishigaki showed no obvious damage, and all appeared calm. The video was broadcast on NHK, Japan's national television network.

Officials in nearby Taiwan also reported feeling the earthquake, though they estimated that it had a 6.7-magnitude.

In Taiwan, the tremor lasted long enough to shake and move objects on shelves and was felt more strongly in the northern half of the island. Mass rapid transit in the capital, Taipei, was temporarily halted following the quake.

Every year, hundreds of earthquakes rattle the Okinawa area and Taiwan. Most of the tremors cause little or no damage. But two years ago, a 7.6-magnitude quake in central Taiwan killed about 2,400 people.

© 2001 The Associated Press