Climbers safe on northern slope of Mt. Qomolangma

LHASA - Over 400 mountain climbers on the Tibetan side of Mount Qomolangma have descended or are descending with no casualties reported, local authorities said on Sunday.

A 8.1-magnitude quake shook neighboring Nepal on Saturday, causing avalanches that killed at least 18 climbers and guides on the Nepal side of the mountain. Hundreds of other climbers are stranded.

Foreign climbers from more than 20 countries including the United States, Russia, the UK are on their way down to the North Base Camp at 5,200 meters (16,900 ft). A total of 15 Chinese climbers have already descended.