Pyongyang successfully carries out fifth nuclear test

Most powerful bomb ever detonated by North Korea. An earthquake measuring 5.3 was felt at the border with China. Strong warning from the international community. The United States promises "serious consequences"; Japan, China and South Korea condemn "the self-destructive action" of leader Kim Jong-un.

Pyongyang (AsiaNews / Agencies) - North Korea has announced that it has successfully completed its fifth nuclear test. The statement came this morning, a few hours after an earthquake of magnitude 5.3 was felt in the vicinity of the Punggye-ri nuclear site  (north-east of the country) on the Chinese border. This would be the most powerful nuclear test carried out so far by Pyongyang.

The North Korean government has also stated that he felt "a head recently developed" and be able to mount a nuclear weapon on a ballistic missile. Several analysts fear that this means a real step forward in the North Korean nuclear technology.

South Korean sources confirm that the detonation had a load of about 10 kilotons, nearly double the power of the last test conducted in January. The bomb dropped by the US on Hiroshima in 1945 had a charge of 15 kilotons.

Washington and countries neighboring North Korea have roundly condemned the act. The United States has promised "serious consequences". Park Geun-hye, South Korean President, called the action "self-destructive", the work of an "maniacal recklessness" of leader Kim Jong-un will bring only "more sanctions and isolation" to Pyongyang. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke of a "serious threat to the security of Japan that seriously undermines the peace and security of the region and the international community".

The Chinese Foreign Minister has announced that "the Chinese government is firmly opposed to the test." The Environment ministry has ordered an emergency monitoring for nuclear radiation along the border connecting China to North Korea.

Today Pyongyang is celebrating "the Foundation Day", the anniversary of creation of the state in 1948. A United Nations resolution banning North Korea from ​​developing missile and nuclear technologies, but in recent months Kim Jong-un has continued to order ballistic tests. 

The last nuclear test took place on January 6, which was followed by tough sanctions from the international community. Previously, Pyongyang had carried out similar exercises in 2006, 2009 and 2013.