Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 20, 2025

News Summary

Greenwood County, South Carolina, reported two earthquakes occurring on August 18 and 19, with magnitudes of 2.2 and 1.7, respectively. These shallow quakes, verified by the USGS, sparked concern among local residents. The region’s geological activity is highlighted, especially following a recent quake in Polk County, prompting residents to review safety preparedness measures.

Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Two Earthquakes Overnight

Greenwood County, South Carolina, was shaken by two earthquakes on August 18 and 19, 2025. The first, with a magnitude of 2.2, struck around 11:30 p.m. on August 18. Its epicenter was located approximately 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca. Shortly after, a second quake measuring 1.7 in magnitude occurred at 3:08 a.m. on August 19, with its epicenter about 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca.

Both earthquakes were characterized as shallow, occurring at depths of less than 0.2 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. The first earthquake’s epicenter was near the Old Laurens Road bridge over the Saluda River, while the second quake’s location was further southeast of the initial tremor.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has verified the details surrounding both earthquakes, providing crucial data about their specifics and potential impacts.

Recent Earthquake Activity in the Region

This seismic activity in Greenwood County follows a recent magnitude 2.7 earthquake reported in Polk County earlier on Thursday morning. The occurrence of these earthquakes raises awareness about geological activity in the area, especially for residents who were startled by the nighttime disturbances.

Understanding Earthquake Magnitudes

Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale, which assigns a magnitude based on the seismic energy released. A magnitude of 2.0 to 3.0 is generally considered minor, although they can still be felt by those nearby. The two earthquakes in Greenwood County fall within this range, suggesting they were minor but still notable for local residents.

Preparedness and Safety Tips for Residents

In the wake of these earthquakes, residents are encouraged to review safety protocols in case of future seismic events. Simple steps include ensuring that heavy furniture is anchored, creating emergency kits, and having a communication plan in place with family members.

Conclusion

While the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County were minor, they serve as a reminder of the region’s geological activity. Understanding seismic events and being prepared can significantly enhance community safety and assurance.

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Additional Resources

• WYFF4 News
• Wikipedia: Earthquake
• Count On 2 News
• Google Search: earthquake greenwood county south carolina
• Index Journal
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
• MSN News
• Google News: greenwood county earthquake
• Fox Carolina
• Google Scholar: earthquake greenwood county
• WBTV News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake Topic

Author: HERE Greenwood

The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.