Greenwood County, SC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, SC has experienced a series of earthquakes, particularly affecting the Coronaca community. With 20 recorded quakes since early August, the SC Emergency Management Division urges residents to prepare for potential future seismic events. The largest earthquake in this series reached a magnitude of 3.0, prompting community concerns and discussions around earthquake safety and preparedness measures.
Greenwood County, SC Experiences Series of Earthquakes, Prompting Emergency Preparedness Measures
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has reported a series of earthquakes impacting Greenwood County, particularly the community of Coronaca. As of Monday, August 25, a total of 20 earthquakes have been recorded in the Carolinas since August 9, with Coronaca identified as the hardest hit area.
The latest recorded earthquake in this sequence had a magnitude of 2.0 and occurred at 1:51 a.m. on Monday. This has been part of notable seismic activity with nine quakes recorded since Saturday, including a significant single-day flurry of eight earthquakes. The magnitudes of these earthquakes have ranged from 1.7 to 3.0, with initial events on Saturday morning registering magnitudes of 2.9 and 3.0, occurring only minutes apart. More than 200 residents have reported feeling the tremors of the largest earthquakes, escalating community concern regarding safety and preparedness.
Recent Earthquake Activity
Prior to the recent events, earthquakes registering magnitudes of 2.2, 1.7, and 2.0 were recorded earlier in the week. The earthquakes are situated near the Saluda River along the northern part of Lake Greenwood. This concentration of seismic activity is considered unusual, with a similar series not recorded since October 2024. Traditionally, South Carolina experiences between 10 and 20 earthquakes each year, mostly occurring in the Lowcountry, but the recent surge has raised alarm.
The SCEMD is proactively urging residents to prepare for potential future earthquakes by reviewing emergency preparedness measures and considering earthquake insurance options, which can be secured as endorsements to homeowners’ policies or as stand-alone policies. While no injuries or major damages have been reported thus far, experts advise securing heavy household items and following key safety procedures such as the “drop, cover, and hold on” method during tremors.
Understanding the Risks
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has indicated that significant damage typically occurs only when earthquakes reach around 4.5 magnitude. However, the recent flurry of less powerful earthquakes has prompted heightened awareness and caution among residents. Experts express uncertainty regarding the cause of this recent swarm. Historical occurrences have shown that some earthquake swarms could precede larger, more damaging quakes.
Community members reported feeling the earthquakes, with over 320 citizens indicating they sensed the tremors, further amplifying concern about the area’s seismic risks. South Carolina has recorded a total of 155 earthquakes since January 2022, with a definitive cause for the current increase in seismicity yet to be established. Some theories suggest that environmental factors, such as water levels, might influence seismic activity in the region.
In South Carolina’s history, the strongest earthquake on record occurred in 1886, when a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Charleston, leading to significant casualties and extensive damage. The SCEMD continues to provide guidance for earthquake safety through various communication channels, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in light of recent seismic activities.
FAQ
What areas are affected by the earthquakes?
The community of Coronaca in Greenwood County, SC, has been particularly affected by the series of earthquakes.
How many earthquakes have been recorded?
Since August 9, a total of 20 earthquakes have been recorded in the Carolinas.
What was the strongest earthquake since the recent series began?
The strongest recorded earthquake in this sequence had a magnitude of 3.0.
Is earthquake insurance available?
Yes, residents can acquire earthquake insurance either as an endorsement to homeowners’ policies or as a stand-alone policy.
Are there any safety recommendations for residents during tremors?
Residents are encouraged to secure heavy items in their homes and follow safety procedures like “drop, cover, and hold on” during earthquakes.
What historical event is notable in South Carolina for earthquakes?
South Carolina recorded its strongest earthquake in 1886, with a magnitude of 7.3 in Charleston, causing significant damage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenwood, South Carolina Experiences Surge in Earthquake Activity
Unusual Earthquake Swarm Recorded in Greenwood County
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Greenwood County Experiences Seven Earthquakes
Series of Earthquakes Hit Greenwood County
Four Earthquakes Rattle Greenwood County, South Carolina
Greenwood County, South Carolina Hit by Series of Small Earthquakes
Greenwood County, SC Experiences Series of Earthquakes
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Earthquake Swarm in Greenwood, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Newsweek: Warning in South Carolina for Earthquake Swarm
- Google Search: South Carolina Earthquake
- WLTX: South Carolina Earthquakes Near Lake Greenwood
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Earthquake Swarm
- The State: Earthquake Activity in Greenwood County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WYFF4: Earthquakes Continue in Greenwood, South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina Earthquake News
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.
