North Korea 'claims' to test hydrogen bomb amid global condemnation

(Vatican Radio)  North Korea on Wednesday carried out a fourth nuclear test, describing the device as hydrogen bomb -- a type more powerful than the others it is known to have. A number of world powers were quick to condemn Pyongyang's action and several international nuclear experts expressed scepticism as to whether it really was a hydrogen bomb.

Listen to Alastair Wanklyn's report:

North Korean state television announced the blast, calling it a test of a hydrogen bomb.

The tremor was felt by seismic monitoring equipment overseas, and in China some residents were evacuated from buildings.

Worldwide, there was condemnation. China, North Korea's major ally was one of the first nations to respond. A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said North Korea carried out the test despite "universal objection" from the rest of the world.

Japan called the test a "serious threat," and South Korea said it would work with other nations to make sure Pyongyang pays a price.

The European Union urged North Korea to cease "illegal and dangerous behaviour."

In the North Korean capital, some residents were quoted saying the bomb makes them feel more secure. A government statement spoke of pride in possessing a hydrogen bomb, saying the test was defensive in nature.

But among scientists worldwide there was scepticism of the North's claim. The tremor was about the same size as the one in North Korea's last nuclear test.

Japan dispatched three planes to sample particles in the air near North Korea to try to identify the type of bomb used.