13:11, 13 August 2023 | GMT +6
Two minor natural earthquakes strike near N. Korea’s nuclear test site
SEOUL. KAZINFORM - Two minor natural earthquakes struck near North Korea's nuclear test site Sunday, the latest in a series of natural earthquakes to hit the region in recent months, South Korea's state weather agency said, Yonhap reports.
The first earthquake of 2.7 magnitude occurred about 40 kilometers north-northwest of Kilju, North Hamgyong Province, at 3:13 a.m., while the second of 2.3 magnitude struck 42 km north-northwest of Kilju at 7:55 a.m., according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.
The epicenter of the first earthquake was at a latitude of 41.3 degrees north and a longitude of 129.19 degrees east at a depth of 15 km, while the epicenter of the second quake was at a latitude of 41.31 degrees north and a longitude of 129.16 degrees east at a depth of 5 km, it said.
Kilju is home to the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, where North Korea conducted all six of its nuclear tests.
In 2022 alone, eight natural earthquakes were reported to have struck the area.