WI: Pyongyang Destroyed By Earthquake?

This might need to go into ASB as it is a geological POD so please move if appropriate

Firstly, I'm aware Korea is generally considered to be largely immune to serious seismic activity, however I have seen some news articles indicating that this may no longer be the case. Now I know nothing about geology or seismology so I'm only going on some pretty basic info, but what if Pyongyang suffered a sizable earthquake sometime in the near future (lets say 6.5+ magnitude range if that's possible) centered near the city at a relatively shallow depth, say around midday?

I'm going to assume decades old Communist architecture won't be up for such a shake and much of the city would be destroyed sadly with high casualties I'd iamgine, so how will the surviving leadership respond?

What if the quake kills Kim Jong Un or significant portions of the ruling elite?

Do they ask for UN help? (I'm guessing no) How does China/South Korea respond?
 
I think it would depend on who survived and was in charge. If the Pimpled Faced Leader survives I would see him claiming it was an imperialistic plot. He would accept aid on his terms to keep his people from being exposed to the rest of the world. If Kim Jong Un is among the casualties there would be a power play within the military. Face it most of these "leaders" would prefer to fight over the ruins while the country starved, suffered plagues.
 
I imagine China would send in alot of aid, since it is humanitarian in nature they have no reason not too. However they can use this as an opportunity to pressure the DPRK into abandoning some of her more Jingoistic principles.
 
As with any major quake, I guess there would probably be offers of aid, S&R and other support from many countries. That said, NK's place in world politics means there would likely be more ulterior motives and strings attached than a "normal" DR operation. Food, medicine and building materials would be high on the list of desirables. Assistance with water supply too.
 
Don't know about earthquakes, but there's a big, bad volcano *possibly* stirring on the border with China. Think 'Cascade Range', due similar subducting tectonics, similar grumbling then explosive geology.

You've seen what Mt St.Helens can do. Rainier is within striking range of Seattle etc. Depending what time of year the NORK/China cone erupts, a LOT of grief could befall NORK's already perilous crop-yields...

Funny thing is that the NORKs and Chinese are so wary of this volcano, they jointly invited an international team to co-ordinate investigations...

Seems, when it comes to 'Top Trumps', a potential super-volcano takes the prize over nuke waving !!
 
Don't know about earthquakes, but there's a big, bad volcano *possibly* stirring on the border with China. Think 'Cascade Range', due similar subducting tectonics, similar grumbling then explosive geology.

You've seen what Mt St.Helens can do. Rainier is within striking range of Seattle etc. Depending what time of year the NORK/China cone erupts, a LOT of grief could befall NORK's already perilous crop-yields...

Funny thing is that the NORKs and Chinese are so wary of this volcano, they jointly invited an international team to co-ordinate investigations...

Seems, when it comes to 'Top Trumps', a potential super-volcano takes the prize over nuke waving !!

Mount Paektu? The best part about that one is that it also plays heavily into North Korean propaganda due to its role in Korean history/legend. Allegedly it's the birthplace of Kim Jong-il, too. But I think it's probably too soon after the last eruption 1,000 years ago to make another one of that size before the North Korean state is long gone.

Volcano or earthquake, unless it takes out enough of the central leadership (ESPECIALLY Kim), then the Korean response will be pretty similar as it was during other major disasters like the early 90s floods/famine. Everything is about maintaining the Kim family in power. The people can just "prepare for another Arduous March". Western aid will be used for this purpose--some will get to the people it was meant for, the rest will feed/equip the military or be skimmed off by the omnipresent corrupt officials.
 
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