Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, South Carolina, has faced a recent surge in seismic activity with nearly a dozen small earthquakes reported in just a week. The series commenced with a 2.2 magnitude quake in Coronaca, followed by multiple tremors, including two significant ones on August 23. While the quakes were generally classified as minor, approximately 320 residents reported feeling them, prompting officials to remind the public of earthquake safety measures.
Greenwood County, South Carolina Rattled by Swarm of Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina, has experienced a surge of seismic activity, with nearly a dozen small earthquakes reported over the past week. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that at least ten earthquakes shook the area around Coronaca, an unincorporated community located approximately seven miles east of Greenwood.
The series of tremors began on August 18, 2025, when a magnitude 2.2 quake struck Coronaca at 11:30 p.m. EDT. Just hours later, a 1.7 magnitude earthquake followed at 3:08 a.m. EDT. On August 20, a tremor measuring 2.0 magnitude was also reported near Ware Shoals. The activity peaked on August 23, when eight earthquakes occurred within a short timeframe, including two significant quakes of magnitudes 2.9 and 3.0 just six minutes apart shortly after midnight.
The latest earthquakes were recorded on the night of August 24 and the morning of August 25, as reported by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). These quakes were largely classified as “micro” to “minor” on the Richter scale, indicating they were minimally felt by residents and did not cause structural damage. So far, approximately 320 individuals have reported feeling the tremors, particularly in the Coronaca region, with additional seismic events peaking over a concentrated four-hour period on August 23.
As of 2025, South Carolina has recorded a total of 25 earthquakes, a marked increase in seismic activity for the state. The recent swarm in Greenwood County follows a notable quiet period since the last seismic activity in October 2024. Experts attribute the increased frequency of tremors in the region to its geological characteristics, as South Carolina is located within coastal plains that are known for their complex, faulted rock formations.
In response to the recent events, the S.C. Emergency Management Division has advised residents to familiarize themselves with earthquake safety measures and prepare their homes for potential seismic activity. This includes securing objects within the home and reviewing emergency plans to ensure readiness in case of a larger earthquake.
Historical Context of Earthquakes in South Carolina
South Carolina has a history of seismic activity, with the most notable event being the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Charleston in 1886. That earthquake resulted in over 60 fatalities and widespread property damage. Although minor earthquakes are relatively common in the Eastern United States, the frequency of the recent quakes in Greenwood County is unusual, raising concerns among residents and officials alike.
Future Considerations
Experts are still investigating the reasons behind the recent swarm of earthquakes but have indicated that while they could potentially lead to larger tremors, the likelihood of this occurring remains low. Residents are urged to stay informed and vigilant as the situation develops.
Summary of Earthquake Activity in Greenwood County
- Number of earthquakes in the past week: Nearly a dozen
- Recent significant earthquakes: Magnitudes 2.9 and 3.0 recorded on August 23, 2025
- Total earthquakes in South Carolina for 2025: 25
- Reportedly felt by: Approximately 320 residents
Emergency Preparedness Recommendations
- Secure items within homes to prevent damage.
- Review earthquake safety measures and emergency plans.
FAQ Section
What caused the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County?
The exact reasons for the recent swarm of earthquakes remain unclear, but South Carolina’s geological characteristics may play a role.
Were there any injuries or damages reported?
No injuries or structural damage have been reported from the recent earthquakes, as they are classified as “micro” to “minor” on the Richter scale.
What should residents do to prepare for potential earthquakes?
Residents are advised to secure items in their homes and review emergency plans that include safety measures for earthquakes.
Chart: Key Features of Recent Earthquake Activity
| Date | Magnitude | Reported Location | Time (EDT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 18, 2025 | 2.2 | Coronaca | 11:30 PM |
| Aug 18, 2025 | 1.7 | Coronaca | 3:08 AM |
| Aug 20, 2025 | 2.0 | Near Ware Shoals | – |
| Aug 23, 2025 | 2.9 | Coronaca | 12:17 AM |
| Aug 23, 2025 | 3.0 | Coronaca | 12:23 AM |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Earthquake Swarm in Greenwood, South Carolina
- Newsweek: Warning on South Carolina Earthquake Swarm
- WLTX: South Carolina Earthquakes Near Lake Greenwood
- The State: Earthquakes Continue in Greenwood, South Carolina
- WLTX: Magnitude 2 Earthquake in Greenwood County
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Google Search: Earthquake South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Earthquake swarm South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- Google News: South Carolina Earthquake
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.
