North Korea has appeared to have conducted a sixth nuclear test.
Seismological data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) showed that an explosion caused a 6.3-magnitude tremor in the country’s northeast, not far from the country’s Punggey-ri nuclear test site.
South Korea’s Meteorological Administration called it a “man-made” earthquake.
South Korea will hold a National Security Council meeting at 12:30 a.m. ET to discuss the incident according to South Korea’s Presidential office. The meeting will be presided by President Moon Jae-in.
Japan Meteorological Agency also observed a magnitude-6.1 tremor in North Korea, which showed a different waveform from a natural quake around 12:31 p.m. local (11:31 p.m. ET).
North Korea’s weapons program has been progressing at a rapid pace under leader Kim Jong Un.
The country tested two nuclear weapons last year. It flew a missile over Japan last week, prompting international condemnation. The United States and its allies responded by sending fighter jets and bombers over the Korean Peninsula in a so-called “show of force” operation.
Developing story – more to come