Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, South Carolina, is currently experiencing a surge in seismic activity with 20 earthquakes reported recently. Emergency management officials are advising residents to prepare for potential risks associated with these earthquakes, which may indicate an ‘earthquake swarm.’ Most tremors range from 1.7 to 3.0 in magnitude, with the largest felt as far away as New York and Texas. While no significant damage has been reported, experts stress the importance of preparedness in a region with many fault lines.
Greenwood County, South Carolina is currently experiencing a series of earthquakes that have alarmed residents and prompted advice from emergency management officials. As of August 25, a total of 20 earthquakes have been reported throughout the state, with the majority occurring specifically in Greenwood County. The seismic activity follows an initial quake on August 19 that measured 5.9 miles west of Bucksport in Horry County.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has urged residents to prepare for potential damaging effects, as the series of quakes could be indicative of an earthquake “swarm.” This comes after a count of 11 earthquakes recorded in Greenwood County between August 23 and 25, with the magnitudes primarily ranging from 1.7 to 3.0. Notably, one of these tremors was felt across a wide area, including Texas, New York, and Rhode Island, raising concerns about the extent of the seismic activity.
No reports of major damage or injuries have emerged from the recent activity; however, scientists and geologists at the College of Charleston indicate that the risks associated with earthquakes in the region may be greater than many residents realize. South Carolina has numerous fault lines and generally records between 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, predominantly in the Lowcountry region.
Recent Seismic Activity and Patterns
On August 25, the third earthquake of the day with a magnitude of 1.7 struck near Coronaca, a location that has shown an increased frequency of seismic activities. Early reports confirmed additional tremors measuring 1.8 and 2.0. Researchers note that this sudden uptick in seismic activity in the Coronaca area diverges from historical patterns, raising questions among scientists.
The 2001 analysis categorized South Carolina as particularly vulnerable to seismic events, especially concerning infrastructure vulnerability. The SCEMD reported that approximately 70% of the state’s earthquakes occur in the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone, which underscores the significance of being prepared for potential seismic events.
Preparedness Recommendations
Given the unpredictable nature of earthquakes, the SCEMD recommends that residents take proactive measures. This includes obtaining earthquake insurance; standard homeowner policies typically do not provide coverage for earthquake damage. They also emphasize reviewing earthquake preparedness guidelines, available through resources such as the South Carolina Earthquake Guide.
Community members are encouraged to report any seismic activity they experience to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to aid in monitoring and data collection efforts. Since January 2022, South Carolina has recorded a total of 158 earthquakes, primarily in the Midlands region, highlighting a continuous trend of seismic occurrences in the state.
Historical Context
The eastern United States has been historically affected by seismic events, with the most destructive recorded earthquake occurring in 1886 in Charleston. That devastating event resulted in 60 fatalities and estimated damages between $5 to $6 million, a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such natural disasters.
As South Carolina navigates these recent tremors, both residents and officials remain vigilant and committed to preparedness as they monitor ongoing seismic activity.
FAQs
What should residents do to prepare for earthquakes in South Carolina?
Residents are advised to obtain earthquake insurance, as regular homeowner’s policies often do not cover earthquake-related damages. It is also essential to review preparedness guidelines and stay informed about seismic activity in the area.
How frequent are earthquakes in South Carolina?
On average, South Carolina records between 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, with the majority occurring in the Lowcountry region. The current increase in seismic activity has prompted additional attention to preparedness.
What historical context is relevant to earthquakes in this region?
The most destructive earthquake in the eastern U.S. occurred in 1886 in Charleston, resulting in significant fatalities and damages. This historical context underscores the potential dangers of seismic activity in South Carolina.
Key Features of Earthquake Activity in South Carolina
| Date | Magnitude | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 19 | Unknown | Bucksport, Horry County | First quake of the recent series |
| August 23 | 1.7 – 3.0 | Greenwood County | 11 earthquakes recorded |
| August 25 | 1.8 – 2.0 | Coronaca | Felt as far away as New York and Texas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenwood County Rattled by Earthquake Swarm
Greenwood County Experiences Unprecedented Earthquake Swarm
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
Additional Resources
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Earthquakes in South Carolina
- WYFF
- Google Search: South Carolina earthquake swarm
- WBTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WLOS
- Google News: South Carolina earthquake activity
- The State
- Google Scholar: South Carolina earthquakes
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.
