Less than two months after launching a rocket widely believed to be a test of its long-range missile technology, North Korea announced on Monday that it has successfully carried out a second underground nuclear test.
On Monday, the country's official Korean Central News Agency said North Korea "successfully conducted one more underground nuclear test on May 25 as part of measures to bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense," adding that the test was conducted "on a new higher level in terms of its explosive power and technology of its control."
What is being said there in terms of "explosive power" relates to the fact that North Korea's first nuclear test was rather a fizzle, with the test producing a rather underpowered blast. North Korea conducted its first nuclear test on Oct. 9, 2006.
Seismologists from the U.S., South Korea and Japan reported activity shortly after 9:50 AM lcoal time in a northeastern area which was the same area where North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006.
Japanese quake expert Gen Aoki noted:
"The area is not active seismically so it is highly possible that it could be an artificial quake."
If indeed the North Korean claim of a second successful test is correct, and they managed to up the detonation total of the device, we could be entering into a whole world of hurt.
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak convened an emergency security session. More to come.
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
