Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, South Carolina has seen an unusual swarm of earthquakes in the past week, with at least a dozen tremors recorded. The strongest quake reached a magnitude of 3.0, prompting safety advisories from state officials. Although residents felt the quakes, no significant injuries or damages have been reported. Emergency management officials are urging preparedness and awareness as the area has a historical pattern of seismic activity.
Greenwood County, South Carolina has experienced a significant earthquake swarm within the past week, with at least a dozen earthquakes recorded, raising concerns among residents and officials alike. The seismic activity has been centered near the communities of Coronaca and Lake Greenwood.
The largest quake in this recent swarm registered a magnitude of approximately 3.0. Other recorded magnitudes ranged from about 1.7 to 3.0, with the two most significant quakes occurring shortly after midnight on a Saturday, measuring at 2.9 and 3.0 respectively. Notably, the frequency and concentration of these quakes is unusual, with some being shallow enough for residents to perceptibly feel them.
In response to the seismic activity, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division has advised local residents on earthquake preparedness and the importance of evaluating their insurance coverage. Emergency managers have disseminated safety guidelines through social media, encouraging people to drop, cover, and hold on during shaking, secure heavy items in their homes, and report their experiences to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Although reports indicate that residents were jolted awake and objects were knocked over during the tremors, there have been no reports of injuries or significant property damage. USGS research geophysicist Thomas Pratt has noted that significant damage generally occurs only with quakes of magnitude 4.5 or higher. Despite some individuals expressing concern over the possibility of foreshocks leading to a larger quake, experts deem such a scenario unlikely.
Historically, South Carolina has a track record of seismic activity, with tens of thousands of earthquakes documented in the Eastern U.S. over the past four centuries. Past swarms in the region were followed by major earthquakes, the most infamous being the destructive Charleston quake of 1886. This recent uptick in seismic activity in Greenwood County, however, has raised eyebrows as it contrasts with usual patterns, where the state typically experiences between 10 to 15 earthquakes per year, and few are significant enough to be felt.
Emergency preparedness is of critical importance as South Carolina continues to develop, facing challenges such as an increasing population and aging infrastructure. Residents residing in areas with known fault lines, like the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone, are urged to be vigilant. Experts warn that should the state face a major earthquake, it could lead to severe damage due to these factors.
The public’s response to the earthquakes included reporting loud booms associated with some of the tremors, believed to be caused by vibrations reaching the surface. The unpredictability of seismic events underscores the importance of public awareness and safety measures. Residents are reminded that understanding earthquake safety and preparation can greatly minimize risks.
FAQ
What is causing the recent earthquake swarm in Greenwood County?
The recent increase in seismic activity is attributed to the region’s geological fault lines. South Carolina has a history of earthquakes, and this swarm is unusual, prompting local officials to inform and prepare residents.
How strong have the earthquakes been?
The earthquakes have ranged in magnitude from approximately 1.7 to 3.0, with the strongest quakes registering at magnitudes of 2.9 and 3.0.
Are there any safety measures recommended for residents?
Yes, residents are advised to follow earthquake safety protocols such as dropping, covering, and holding on during an earthquake, securing heavy objects, and reviewing their insurance coverage.
Is it common for South Carolina to experience earthquakes?
South Carolina typically experiences 10 to 15 earthquakes annually, but most are minor and not felt by residents. The recent swarm is notable for its frequency and intensity.
Key Features of the Recent Earthquake Swarm
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Greenwood County, South Carolina |
| Magnitude Range | 1.7 to 3.0 |
| Number of Earthquakes | At least a dozen |
| Strongest Quake | 3.0 |
| Depth Level | Shallow enough for residents to feel |
| Public Response | Reports of loud booms and noticeable shaking |
| Emergency Measures | Advice on preparedness and safety shared by South Carolina Emergency Management Division |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenwood County, South Carolina Hit by Series of Small Earthquakes
Greenwood County, SC Experiences Series of Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina Shaken by Early Morning Earthquakes
Recent Earthquake Series Hits Greenwood County
Greenwood County Detects Minor Earthquakes
Additional Resources
- Newsweek: Warning of South Carolina Earthquake Swarm
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- WYFF4: Earthquake Swarm in Greenwood, South Carolina
- Google Search: South Carolina Earthquake
- WACH: Earthquakes Continue to Rattle Parts of South Carolina
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Earthquakes
- WIS TV: Numerous Earthquakes Detected in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- Fox Weather: Fault Line Impact in SC
- Google News: South Carolina Earthquake Safety
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.
