Seoul, Jan 6 (AFP) A 5.1 magnitude tremor was detected close to North Korea's nuclear test site today, triggering concerns that Pyongyang had conducted a fresh atomic explosion.
The US Geological Survey said the epicentre of the quake was in the northeast of the country, some 50 kilometres northwest of Kilju city, placing it right next to the Punggye- ri nuclear test site.
North Korea Quake Possible 'Nuclear Test': Japan
The Japanese government said today that an earthquake recorded in North Korea might have been caused by a nuclear test.
"Considering past cases, there is the possibility that this might be a nuclear test by North Korea," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the government's top spokesman, said at a regular briefing, adding that Tokyo was analysing the situation.
