CHINA-NORTH KOREA: NUCLEAR TEST

 The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a seismic event that had a magnitude of 5.1 on January 5, 2016, in an area 19 kilometers (12 miles) east-northeast of Sungjibaegam at about 9:30 a.m. local time. In South Korea, the meteorological agency said the "man-made" event registered magnitude 4.3. China Earthquake Networks Center in Beijing is describing the event as a "suspected explosion." Japanese meteorological officials observed the tremor was very shallow, similar to past tests. The agency said it was possible this was another nuclear test, but it is still analyzing data. North Korean  TV at 9.14 am on January 6, 2016 confirmed that the test was a hydrogen bomb test. It said the test took place at 10 a.m. local time on January 5.


South Korea's Foreign Ministry is holding an emergency meeting after reports of the seismic disturbance, while officials in Japan were also holding discussions.

(Comments: The P'unggye nuclear site is a "sprawling facility with three known tunnel entrances and multiple support buildings." The facility was the site of tests in 2006, 2009 and 2013.)
 






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