NORTH KOREA — North Korea said Tuesday that it had conducted a third underground nuclear bomb test.

The area around the reported epicenter of the magnitude 4.9 disturbance has little or no history of earthquakes.

North Korea announced last month that it planned a new nuclear test and more long range rocket launches.

The plans were in response to a new phase of confrontation with the United States.

In a statement issued by the White House, President Obama called the test a highly provocative act that undermines regional stability and it warrants swift and credible action by the international community.

The United Nations Securtity Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting Tuesday morning.