North Korea says it has conducted a "nuclear warhead explosion" designed to counter alleged hostility from the United States.
Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test caused a 5.3-magnitude seismic event.
Nearby countries have reacted furiously to the detonation at the Pyunggye-ri nuclear test site, which is believed to be the most powerful blast ever achieved by the secretive state.
South Korean President has condemned Kim Jong-un's "maniacal recklessness", with the country's military estimating the explosive power of the detonation at 10 kilotonnes - the equivalent of 10,000 tonnes of TNT.
Japan's Prime Minister has called the test "absolutely unacceptable", while China's environment ministry has begun emergency monitoring for radiation along its northeastern border with North Korea.
Jeffrey Lewis, a US analyst, told Reuters it appears to be North Korea's largest test to date and claimed it boasted an explosive power of up to 30,000 tonnes of TNT - five times more than Pyongyang's last nuclear test in January.
A natural earthquake was quickly ruled out by meteorological agencies because the tremors had no depth.
Today is North Korea's national day - a date often used to show the state's military might.
Confirmation of a second nuclear test by the country is likely to alarm the outside world, as it has normally only conducted tests once every three to four years.
North Korea has also performed a series of unsuccessful missile tests in recent months which are part of its push for a nuclear-armed missile that could one day reach the American mainland.
The impoverished country has been subject to fresh sanctions after violating UN Security Council resolutions.
In July, satellite images appeared to show high levels of activity at the country's nuclear test site - and speculation has been growing that Kim Jong-un was planning a fifth test after the US blacklisted him for human rights abuses.
Japan's Nikkei share average fell into negative territory upon news of the "seismic event".
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