All schools in Lhasa were closed Tuesday due to safety concerns following the 6.6-magnitude earthquake that hit the outer Damxung County Monday afternoon.

The decision was made overnight by Tibet's regional government, according to the emergency rescue headquarters based in Damxung.

The quake killed nine people and injured 19 in the Yangyi Village of Gedar Town. So far, the quake had toppled 191 homes, sources with the headquarters said.

The injured are being treated at two leading hospitals in downtown Lhasa. Most suffer traumas or bone fractures.

The regional earthquake bureau detected a total of 188 quakes by 7 a.m. Tuesday, including one strong quake above 6 magnitude, one above 5 magnitude and dozens under 4.

(Xinhua News Agency October 7, 2008)