A series of strong earthquakes struck eastern Indonesia's West Papua province early Sunday, killing at least four people, including a 10-year old girl, and injuring several others.

Residents inspect a collapsed hotel after an earthquake struck in Manokwari, Papua province, Indonesia, 04 Jan 2009

The U.S. Geological Survey says a magnitude 7.6 quake occurred about 150 kilometers northwest of the town of Manokwari, at a depth of 35 kilometers.

Indonesian authorities say a series of powerful aftershocks measuring as strong as 7.3 in magnitude followed the initial quake.  Reports from the region say the quakes left several buildings badly damaged and caused at least two buildings to collapse, including the Mutiara hotel in Manokwari.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says the initial quake also triggered a small tsunami that hit the Japanese coast.  Officials have not reported any damage.

Indonesia is located on a geological fault line circling the Pacific Basin, known as the Ring of Fire.  Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common in the region.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.