China cancels spring climbs on Tibetan side of Mt. Qomolangma

LHASA -- All spring climbing on the northern slopes of Mount Qomolangma in Tibet has been canceled following Saturday's earthquake in Nepal, it was confirmed on Monday.

Over 400 mountaineers from more than 20 countries have descended to safe places with no casualties reported, according to the regional sports bureau.

A large avalanche at 7,000 meters on the northern side brought bureau officials to the base camp to persuade the mountaineers to abort their climbs.

"More aftershocks are expected in the next month," said Nyima Cering, vice director of the bureau.

An 8.1-magnitude quake hit Nepal on Saturday, causing avalanches that killed at least 18 climbers and guides on the Nepali side of the mountain.