TOKYO: A series of strong earthquakes struck various areas in western Japan on Tuesday, with magnitudes ranging between 5 and 6 on the Richter scale, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency

The agency reported that a 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit the Chugokuآ region in western Japan at a depth of 10 kilometers.

It added that 5-magnitude earthquakes struck the cities of Yasugi and Matsue, both in Shimane Prefecture, and the city of Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture.

The agency ruled out the possibility of tsunami waves from these earthquakes.

Japan lies at the convergence point of four tectonic plates, making it particularly prone to seismic activity. It is also home to around 100 active volcanoes. In 2011, a major earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter, accompanied by massive tsunami waves, killed more than 15,000 people and caused a disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.