This was the reclusive nations's sixth test, according to reports. It is reportedly ten times more powerful than the previous tests. 

Meanwhile, even though independent sources have not confirmed the reports, it was reported that seismologists had detected an earth tremor.

Analysts have warned other nations to treat the matter seriously, adding that the regime's nuclear programmes are picking up speed.

According to South Korean media reports, the latest test was conducted near Kilju County, where the North's Punggye-ri nuclear test site is situated.

The tremor felt was 9.8 times more powerful than the one from the fifth test, the country's state weather agency said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in urged the world for the "strongest" response to the test and further isolate North Korea, including imposing new UN Security Council sanctions, according to Yonhap state news agency.

According to a CNN report, Chung Eui-yong, the South Korean President’s chief security advisor, said that South Korea will seek diplomatic measures to “completely isolate” North Korea.

“North Korea today ignored the repeated warnings from us and the international society and conducted a stronger nuclear test than before,” he told reporters, reported the US media.

“President Moon has ordered the most powerful response to condemn [North Korea], along with the international society and decided to seek diplomatic measures such as pushing ahead for an UNSC resolution to completely isolate North Korea,” it said.

Earlier, the Kim Jong-un led government had claimed that they have successfully managed to miniaturise a nuclear weapon that can be loaded on to a missile.

The development looks ominous as the reclusive nation has already threatened the US.

Even though many, including the American President Donald Trump, speculates the gravity of the threat, US intelligence have told the Washington Post that North Korea has progressed at a much faster rate than expected and is capable of striking the US.      

In the past, Kim and his men have conducted umpteen tests, ignoring sanctions against them, but have mostly failed to threaten the likes of the US, against whom it plans to mount an attack.

However, the repeated tests have kept countries like Japan, South Korea, China and Russia on alert.

Last week, the Pyongyang confirmed that it flew a projectile over Japanese air-space.

The missile was 'personally guided' by Kim.

Even though it physically didn't damage anything, except the already battered bi-lateral ties, the move was met with much scorn by the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

North Korea's antics also halted several operations in Japan as residents were ordered to stay indoor and take cover.

A day later, Kim Jong-un was quoted in the state-run media as saying that the launch was a "meaningful prelude to  containing" the US Pacific territory of Guam.

The North Korean leader also warned of further strikes.

Experts believe that the strikes are in connection with the latest sanction it faces from the United Nations, where the US played a major role.

According to the new sanctions, importing coal, seafood, iron and iron ore, lead and lead ore from North Korea is banned.

Under the new rule, no country can hire or receive North Korean workers.

Countries have also been barred from entering into ventures from North Korea.

The member states will have to report within 90 days on how they have gone about the job.

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Image: KCNA website grab / Wallpapers