image credit:Britannica
A 2.3 magnitude earthquake struck lower western North Korea on Monday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The earthquake occurred at 2:15 PM local time, with its epicenter reported near Kaesong, a city close to the border with South Korea.
The KMA noted that the quake had a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers, which contributed to its perceptibility across a broad area. Residents in Kaesong and surrounding towns reported feeling the tremor, but initial assessments indicate there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. The shallow depth of the earthquake contributed to its perceptibility across a broad region, though it was unlikely to have caused major damage.
The North Korean government has not yet released an official statement regarding the earthquake. Local authorities are currently conducting inspections to determine if there has been any impact on infrastructure or public safety. The region’s seismic activity is attributed to its location along complex fault lines, which are known for producing minor tremors.
This earthquake comes amid a series of recent minor seismic events in the Korean Peninsula. The area has historically been prone to earthquakes due to its geological structure, although most of these tremors are of low to moderate magnitude. This earthquake is part of a series of small tremors that have affected the Korean Peninsula in recent months. South Korean authorities have been monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with international agencies to provide assistance if required.