North Korea‘s 4.9 earthquake is feared to be the result of North Korea’s third nuclear test. The epicenter of North Korea’s earthquake was one kilometer (1.6 miles) underground and close to North Korea’s known nuclear test site. North Korea’s earthquake was measured by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in Vienna and by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The Guardian reports on Feb. 11, 2013, that North Korea has not yet officially confirmed that this was the widely anticipated third nuclear test.
“The quake occurred at 11.57am Korean time (2.57am GMT) and South Korea's presidential office said that it was ‘likely’ a nuclear test, according to the South's Yonhap news agency.”
South Korea describes the earthquake as “manmade” and stated that earthquakes or tremors caused by nuclear tests are different from earthquakes that are due to natural causes. North Korea is not known to have to seismic activity due to natural causes.
Japan's security council met on Tuesday in response to North Korea’s unconfirmed nuclear test. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Japan is considering sanctions against North Korea which appeared to have conducted its third nuclear test
According to latest reports, South Korean’s Foreign Minister has spoken with Kerry about North Korea’s apparent nuclear test and a statement by the United States is expected within hours.
As the above video reports, only a few months ago, South Korea warned that North Korea was not only planning controversial rocket launches but was also preparing to conduct a third nuclear test.
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