Dalai Lama has expressed his deep condolences to the families affected in the earthquake that hit Damshung county and neighbouring areas west of Lhasa, Tibet, on Monday.

In a message to the victims, the Dalai Lama said: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and property as a result of the earthquake that struck Damshung county and neighboring areas west of Lhasa on Monday, 6 October 2008,"

"Our prayers go out to those who have lost their lives in this tragedy and offer condolences to their families and those affected by this natural disaster." 

Dalai Lama said: "I am exploring avenues to extend assistance as a token of my deep concern and solidarity with the people devastated by this earthquake."

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, usable belongings were carried out by residents from the damaged building in Gedar Township of Damxung County in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Monday, Oct. 6, 2008.

Two earthquakes jolted the capital of Tibet and surrounding areas yesterday, killing more than 10 people and collapsing hundreds of houses, China's state news agency said. Rescuers rushed in to try to save people buried in the rubble.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the first quake measured magnitude 6.6 and struck at 4:30 p.m. 80 km west of Lhasa, the second temblor measuring 5.1 hit 15 minutes later 95 km west of Lhasa.

Many families stayed in tents Monday night because they were afraid their homes would fall down. The regional seismological bureau registered 188 aftershocks by 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Schools in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa did not open on Tuesday morning due to safety concerns after an earthquake hit the region late on Monday, the Xinhua news agency said. 

Some information for this report was provided by TIBET.NET and AP