Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
In Greenwood County, South Carolina, a significant series of earthquakes has occurred, with the most notable being a magnitude 1.7 quake. This event is part of a larger trend, as 14 significant tremors have been recorded over the past week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is urging residents to prepare for further seismic activity. Thankfully, no injuries or major damages have been reported. While the increased frequency of quakes is unusual for the region, officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
Greenwood County, South Carolina experienced a series of earthquakes, with the most significant occurring on Monday, August 25, 2025. The latest tremor, recorded at a magnitude of 1.7, struck the Coronaca area at 5:04 PM, approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) northwest of Coronaca. This earthquake represented the 14th significant event in the region over a one-week period, marking a notable spike in seismic activity reminiscent of previous swarms.
The current sequence of earthquakes in Greenwood County began on August 19, with two small quakes measuring magnitudes of 2.2 and 1.7. On Saturday, August 23, the area was hit by eight earthquakes, including one that peaked at a magnitude of 3.0. Additionally, on Thursday, August 21, a 2.0 magnitude quake was registered about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) southeast of Ware Shoals.
On the morning of August 25, before the 1.7 magnitude quake, two other tremors were recorded: a magnitude 1.8 at 2:20 AM and a magnitude 2.0 at 6:51 AM. Both of these occurred approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) north of Coronaca alongside the Saluda River. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damage have been reported as a result of this earthquake swarm.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is advising residents to familiarize themselves with earthquake preparedness guidelines. They have also encouraged homeowners to review their insurance options in light of this increased seismic activity. The range of quakes in this sequence varied from magnitudes of 1.7 to 3.0, with experts from the US Geological Survey noting that this week represented the most active period in the area since a similar swarm in October 2024.
Residents in the Greenwood County region have reported feeling shaking from these earthquakes, and the USGS has invited those who experienced the trembling to share their accounts. Research geophysicist Thomas Pratt commented on the nature of earthquakes in the Eastern U.S., indicating that while they are not uncommon, the frequency of occurrences in such a brief timeframe is unusual.
Although experts remain uncertain regarding the cause of this earthquake swarm and whether the tremors are precursors to a larger seismic event, historical patterns indicate that some swarms have preceded more significant earthquakes. However, current assessments suggest that the likelihood of the ongoing swarm triggering a substantial quake is low.
In summary, Greenwood County is currently experiencing heightened geological activity with a notable series of earthquakes. Local officials are emphasizing the importance of preparedness as they monitor the situation closely.
FAQ
What is the magnitude of the most recent earthquake in Greenwood County?
The latest earthquake recorded in Greenwood County was at a magnitude of 1.7.
How many earthquakes have occurred in this area over the past week?
A total of 14 significant earthquakes have been recorded in Greenwood County in the past week.
Have there been any reports of damage or injuries from the earthquakes?
No injuries or major damage have been reported in connection with the earthquake swarm.
What should residents do to prepare for potential earthquakes?
Residents are advised to review earthquake preparedness steps and insurance options as recommended by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
Is this frequency of earthquakes unusual for this region?
Yes, while earthquakes in the Eastern U.S. are not uncommon, the frequency of occurrences within such a short period is atypical.
Key Features of the Earthquake Swarm in Greenwood County
| Date | Magnitude | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 19, 2025 | 2.2 | First tremor of the swarm | Greenwood County |
| August 19, 2025 | 1.7 | Second tremor of the swarm | Greenwood County |
| August 21, 2025 | 2.0 | Quake southeast of Ware Shoals | Ware Shoals |
| August 23, 2025 | 3.0 | Strongest tremor during swarm | Greenwood County |
| August 25, 2025 | 1.7 | Current tremor SWARM | Coronaca |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenwood County Earthquakes Prompt Emergency Preparedness
Earthquake Swarm Hits Lake Greenwood Area
Greenwood, South Carolina Experiences Surge in Earthquake Activity
Unusual Earthquake Swarm Recorded in Greenwood County
Small Earthquake Cluster Shakes Greenwood County
Greenwood County Experiences Surge in Earthquake Activity
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
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Earthquake Swarm in Greenwood, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Newsweek: Warning for South Carolina Earthquake Swarm
- Google Search: Earthquake South Carolina
- WLTX: 2 Magnitude Earthquake in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Swarm
- The State: Earthquake Swarm in Greenwood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WYFF4: Earthquakes Continue in Greenwood, South Carolina
- Google News: Earthquake Greenwood
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.
