News / Koreas

Possible man-made earthquake detected in North Korea

Wednesday, 06 January 2016 2:59 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 06 January 2016 4:13 AM ]

A 5.1 tremor is detected in northeastern North Korea near the country’s main nuclear testing site.

A 5.1 earthquake has been detected in North Korea near the country’s main nuclear testing site, with South Korean and Chinese officials saying there are signs the tremor is an "artificial earthquake."

According to the officials, there are indications that the Wednesday morning quake may be the result of a new nuclear test carried out by North Korea.

The US Geological Survey registered the tremor around 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Punggye-ri at a depth of about 10 kilometers (six miles) in the northeastern region close to where the North carries out its main nuclear tests.

South Korean ministers are currently holding an emergency meeting over the incident.

“Considering past cases, there is the possibility that this might be a nuclear test by North Korea," said Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

If confirmed, it would mark the North’s fourth atomic test.

According to North Korean state media, Pyongyang is to make a "special, significant" announcement shortly.

Pyongyang is under UN sanctions over nuclear tests and for launching ballistic missiles considered by the West as being aimed at delivering nuclear warheads.

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