Greenwood County, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, South Carolina, experienced two minor earthquakes on August 19, 2025. The first quake registered a magnitude of 2.2, followed by another at magnitude 1.7. Both events were recorded by the USGS, marking the 13th and 14th confirmed quakes in the state for the year. While historical records show limited earthquake activity in the area, state officials recommend residents reassess earthquake preparedness, considering previous significant seismic events in South Carolina.
Greenwood County, South Carolina, experienced two minor earthquakes within a few hours on the morning of August 19, 2025. The first earthquake struck at 11:30 p.m. on August 18, registering a magnitude of 2.2 and occurring approximately 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca. The second quake followed soon after at 3:08 a.m., measuring a magnitude of 1.7. This earthquake was located about 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca.
Both seismic events were recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The first earthquake occurred nearly 2.5 miles beneath the surface, while the second quake was calculated to have originated over 3 miles underground. These earthquakes marked the 13th and 14th confirmed incidents in South Carolina for the year 2025, occurring shortly after a previous quake on August 9. Notably, these were the first documented seismic activities in the Coronaca region for this year.
Historically, Greenwood County has not been significantly affected by earthquakes, but the area saw notable activity in late 2024, recording nine quakes over a six-day span in October. Across the state, South Carolina experienced a total of 30 confirmed earthquakes in 2024 and 28 in 2023. Most of the seismic activity has been concentrated in the Midlands region. Since mid-2022, Kershaw County has reported a total of 69 earthquakes.
Major earthquakes affecting South Carolina include a 4.1 magnitude quake in McCormick County in 2014 and the catastrophic 1886 Charleston earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.3. However, the recent seismic occurrences have been characterized as “micro quakes”, posing little risk for major damage or injuries, as earthquakes below magnitude 5.5 are typically not considered damaging.
Residents of Greenwood County and surrounding areas are encouraged to report any felt tremors to the USGS. It is estimated that South Carolina has endured a total of 161 earthquakes since January 18, 2021, and officials believe that as many as 200 smaller earthquakes may have gone unnoticed in the state. The potential causes for these seismic events might be linked to hydraulic interactions among groundwater levels and underlying faults, although scientists have yet to identify a definitive cause for the increased activity.
State officials are advising residents to reassess their earthquake insurance policies and secure items in their homes to reduce hazards during tremors. Preparedness measures are essential, especially in light of historical seismic events in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County?
The recent earthquakes in Greenwood County occurred on August 18 and 19, 2025, with magnitudes of 2.2 and 1.7.
How deep were the earthquakes?
The first earthquake was approximately 2.5 miles beneath the surface, while the second was more than 3 miles underground.
How many earthquakes have been recorded in South Carolina in 2025?
As of August 19, 2025, there have been 14 confirmed earthquakes in South Carolina.
What should residents do if they feel an earthquake?
Residents are encouraged to report any tremors to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Are these earthquakes expected to cause significant damage?
Seismic events classified as micro quakes, such as these, are unlikely to cause major damage or injuries.
Earthquake Records in South Carolina
| Year | Total Earthquakes | Notable Earthquake Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 28 | – |
| 2024 | 30 | – |
| 2025 | 14 (as of August 19) | Recent quakes in Greenwood County |
| 1886 | – | 7.3 Charleston earthquake |
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- The State
- Google Search: earthquake South Carolina
- Count on 2 News
- Google Scholar: earthquake Greenwood County
- Index Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: earthquake facts
- MSN News
- Google News: earthquake Greenwood County
- WYFF4 News (Another Report)
- Fox Carolina
- WBTV News
