LHASA, April 27 -- All 15 Chinese climbers on the Tibetan side of Mount Qomolangma have retreated to Xigaze City following Saturday's earthquake and avalanches, local authorities said on Monday.

An 8.1-magnitude quake shook neighboring Nepal on Saturday, causing avalanches that killed at least 18 climbers on the Nepalese side of the mountain.

All mountaineering activities have been suspended and no casualties were reported on the Tibetan side of Mount Qomolangma, said Nyima Cering, vice director of the Tibetan regional sports bureau.

Most foreign climbers have returned or are on their way down to the North Base Camp at 5,200 meters (16,900 ft), Nyima said.