The Korea Herald

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Magnitude 2.5 earthquake occurs near N.K.'s nuke site

By Yonhap

Published : Dec. 2, 2017 - 12:13

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A natural earthquake of magnitude 2.5 was detected in North Korea on Saturday close to where the country recently conducted a nuclear test, Seoul's weather agency said.

The tremor occurred at 7:45 a.m. in Kilju, North Hamgyeong Province, about 2.7 kilometers away from the Punggye-ri nuclear site in the same province, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test at the site on Sept. 3.

The KMA said the quake is a natural one but is presumed to have occurred in the aftermath of the nuke test.

Image provided by KMA shows Kilju of North Korea where earthquake of magnitude 2.5 was detected. (Yonhap) Image provided by KMA shows Kilju of North Korea where earthquake of magnitude 2.5 was detected. (Yonhap)


"Kilju is a rocky area where natural earthquakes normally do not occur. However, the quake could have been caused by geological changes created from the recent nuclear explosion," said an agency official who asked not to be named.

Since 2006, North Korea has carried out six nuclear tests, including two last year.

(Yonhap)