Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, South Carolina, was jolted by a series of four earthquakes early Saturday morning. The seismic events ranged in magnitude with the strongest reaching 3.0. Local residents reported feeling the shaking, with no significant damage or injuries reported. This surge in seismic activity raises questions about geological changes in the area, as authorities monitor the situation closely. Residents are advised to stay alert for potential aftershocks as part of their preparedness.
Greenwood County, South Carolina experienced a series of four earthquakes early Saturday morning, alarming residents and prompting an influx of reports to local authorities.
The earthquakes began shortly after midnight, with the first tremor detected by the U.S. Geological Survey at a magnitude of 2.9, occurring at 12:17 a.m. This was quickly followed by a second earthquake that registered at a magnitude of 3.0 at 12:23 a.m. A third quake recorded a magnitude of 2.5 at 12:40 a.m., and the final tremor of the early morning peaked at a magnitude of 1.5 at 1:21 a.m. All four seismic events took place within approximately one hour.
Initial reports indicated that over 200 residents had felt the shaking from the first two earthquakes by 10:30 a.m. The quakes notably originated near Coronaca, a community located about an hour’s drive south of Greenville.
The recent earthquakes are part of a larger series impacting the Greenwood County area. Over the past week, a total of ten earthquakes have been recorded in this region, with magnitudes registered as 2.2, 1.7, and another at 2.0. These smaller seismic events primarily affected areas along the Saluda River, particularly near the northern part of Lake Greenwood and the border with Laurens County.
South Carolina Emergency Management has assessed the situation, indicating that while the quakes might have caused some shifting of unsecured objects or furniture within homes, no major damage has been reported. As of now, no injuries have been documented, and residents have expressed feelings of their homes shaking but appeared to be relatively untroubled by the seismic activity.
Earthquakes are not a common occurrence in South Carolina, especially in this frequency. Residents have been advised to stay alert and prepared, as aftershocks could potentially happen. This surge in seismic activity is noteworthy, raising questions about geological activities in the area and prompting monitoring by authorities.
Background Context: Greenwood County’s latest seismic activity reflects a historical tendency for the region to experience minor earthquakes, although significant disruptions are rare. The U.S. Geological Survey continues to monitor the area closely, tracking the seismic patterns and providing updates as necessary. As part of earthquake preparedness, locals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with safety procedures during shaking and potential aftershocks.
FAQ
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes in Greenwood County?
The earthquakes recorded were at magnitudes of 2.9, 3.0, 2.5, and 1.5.
Did the earthquakes cause any damage in Greenwood County?
No major damage has been reported, although some residents indicated that unsecured objects or furniture may have shifted.
Are these earthquakes unusual for South Carolina?
While South Carolina does experience minor earthquakes, the frequency and cluster of the recent quakes are noteworthy.
Seismic Activity Overview
| Earthquake Number | Magnitude | Time Recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.9 | 12:17 a.m. |
| 2 | 3.0 | 12:23 a.m. |
| 3 | 2.5 | 12:40 a.m. |
| 4 | 1.5 | 1:21 a.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Two Earthquakes Overnight
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: South Carolina Earthquakes
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- WXII: Earthquake Upstate South Carolina
- Google Search: Earthquakes in South Carolina
- WSPA: Four Earthquakes Recorded
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WYFF: Overnight Earthquakes in Greenwood County
- Google News: South Carolina Earthquake
- ABC News 4: Small Earthquakes in South Carolina
- New York Post: South Carolina Earthquake Swarm
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.
