An earthquake has been detected from the North Korean nuclear test site, sparking concerns that Pyongyang could have pushed ahead with its fifth nuclear test.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre(EMSC) said Friday morning that it detected a magnitude five-point-two tremor from Punggye-ri located in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province.

The Korea Meteorological Administration(KMA) said that the tremor occurred at 9:30 a.m., calling it artificially-created.

The U.S. Geological Survey(USGS) concurred with the KMA assessment, saying that the tremor originates from within one kilometer below ground.

The U.S. earthquake authority said it measured the tremor at five-point-three on the Richter scale, while the China Earthquake Administration(CEA) detected a magnitude five quake from the region.

The South Korean Defense Ministry said based on its analysis so far, it has concluded that Pyongyang carried out its fifth nuclear test.

A Defense Ministry official said that the tremor from the nuclear site came in at magnitude five on the Richter scale and the explosive yield of the latest test is estimated at ten kilotons, the largest by North Korea.

The military authorities of South Korea and the U.S. had been monitoring the situation at the test site as they detected signs suggesting preparations for a possible nuclear experiment. Friday, September ninth marks the 68th anniversary of the founding day of the North Korean regime.

North Korea carried out its fourth nuclear test in January sixth that had a yield of six kilotons.

The National Security Council will hold an emergency session at 11 a.m., which will be presided over by Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn as the president is on an overseas trip.

[Photo : ]