Minor quake hits near N. Korea's nuclear test site: weather agency

▲ This image, captured from the United States Geological Survey website, shows the position of Punggye-ri (red mark), a North Korean nuclear test site in Kilju, North Hamgyong Province. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

N Korea-earthquake

Minor quake hits near N. Korea's nuclear test site: weather agency

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- A 2.6 magnitude earthquake struck near a North Korean nuclear test site Thursday, the latest in a series of natural temblors that hit the region recently, South Korea's state weather agency said.

The tremor occurred about 40 kilometers northwest of Kilju, North Hamgyong Province, at 9:21 p.m., according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

The epicenter was at a latitude of 41.30 degrees north and a longitude of 129.20 degrees east at a depth of 15 km, the KMA said, adding that the earthquake is believed to be a natural one.

The latest one came on the heels of two separate earthquakes in the day -- one with a 2.5 magnitude that took place at 7:54 a.m. and the other one with a 2.2 magnitude at 12:42 p.m., the weather agency said.

Kilju is home to the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, where North Korea conducted all six of its nuclear tests.

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