South Korean officials have said North Korea could be ready to conduct another nuclear test at any time.
People in Seoul watch a news report, showing file footage of Kim Jong-Un, on 9 September. Photo: AFP
The North conducted its fifth underground nuclear test on Friday, thought to be its most powerful yet.
A defence ministry spokesman said there was still an unused tunnel at the Punggye-ri test site, which could be used for a sixth explosion at any time.
Friday's widely condemned test has ratcheted up tension and led to fierce rhetoric from South Korea.
On Sunday, one South Korean military source told the Yonhap news agency that Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, could be annihilated if it showed any signs of mounting a nuclear attack.
While doubts remain over North Korea's claim that it can now mount nuclear warheads on ballistic rockets - meaning it can carry out a nuclear attack - experts say the recent progress is worrying.
On Monday, Yonhap cited an unnamed government source as saying reports indicated the North had finished preparations for a further test, in previously unused tunnel at the Punggye-ri site deep underneath mountains in the north-east.
"Intelligence authorities in Seoul and Washington are keeping close tabs," the unnamed government official was quoted as saying.
Moon Sang-gyun, a defence ministry spokesperson, later gave a similar statement to reporters. He would not give further details citing security reasons.
The UN Security Council has already agreed to start drawing up new sanctions against North Korea, something the North called "laughable".
Pyongyang has carried out two nuclear tests this year, as well as several tests of powerful missiles. Both are banned by existing sanctions.
Kim Jong-un's rhetoric has also become increasingly aggressive.
- BBC
