Horry County, South Carolina, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Recently, Horry County, South Carolina, witnessed a dramatic surge in seismic activity, with 20 earthquakes recorded over just a week. The earthquakes peaked in Greenwood County, prompting warnings from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division for residents to prepare for possible devastating impacts. Experts highlight that while the state usually experiences 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, the current frequency raises concerns of an impending earthquake swarm, outlined by past studies. Residents are advised to consider earthquake insurance to safeguard against potential damages.
Horry County, South Carolina Sees Surge in Earthquakes: 20 Recorded in Just Over a Week
As of August 25, 2025, a total of 20 earthquakes have been recorded across the Carolinas, marking a significant uptick in seismic activity. The first quake in this recent series occurred on August 19, located 5.9 miles west of Bucksport in Horry County. The frequency of earthquakes is notably high in Greenwood County, where the majority of these events have been concentrated.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has issued a warning for residents to prepare for “potentially devastating effects” stemming from this increased seismic activity. Experts from the College of Charleston state that the state typically sees between 10 and 20 earthquakes annually, with most occurring in the Lowcountry region, although they can take place throughout the entire state.
On August 25, another earthquake was confirmed at 1.6 miles northwest of Coronaca, measuring between 1.7 and 3.0 on the Richter scale. Greenwood County experienced a remarkable 18 earthquakes over a 10-day span, with significant events including a 2.0 magnitude quake on August 21 and several quakes that registered between 1.7 and 3.0 over a condensed period from August 23 to August 25. This included five recorded on August 25 alone, with hundreds of residents reporting sensations from the quakes, particularly the two strongest, which were measured at magnitudes 2.9 and 3.0.
The pattern observed in this series of earthquakes has raised concerns that it may indicate the onset of an earthquake “swarm,” reminiscent of earlier seismic activity experienced in other areas of South Carolina. In fact, a 2001 study titled the Comprehensive Seismic Risk and Vulnerability for the State of South Carolina highlighted the state’s vulnerability to such events.
Historically, the most destructive earthquake in the eastern United States occurred in 1886 in Charleston, resulting in around 60 fatalities and causing damages estimated to be between $5 million and $6 million at that time. Currently, the SCEMD recommends that residents consider obtaining earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners’ policies generally do not cover earthquake damages. Interested residents can contact the Office of Consumer Services to find local agents who can assist with obtaining the appropriate coverage.
Approximately 70% of earthquakes in the state are found within the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone, emphasizing the diverse geographic range of seismic risks throughout South Carolina. Being prepared is crucial, as earthquakes can happen without warning, and multiple fault lines traverse beneath the state’s surface.
This recent surge in seismic activity serves as a reminder for residents that while earthquakes in South Carolina are often mild and infrequent, the potential for more significant events exists, necessitating vigilance and preparedness.
FAQ
What is causing the increase in earthquakes in South Carolina?
The recent surge in earthquakes may indicate the beginning of an earthquake ‘swarm,’ which is a phenomenon where multiple quakes occur in a localized area over a short period of time.
How many earthquakes happen in South Carolina each year?
Typically, South Carolina records between 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, with only 3-5 of these being felt by residents.
Are homeowners insurance policies sufficient to cover damage from earthquakes?
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Residents are encouraged to obtain earthquake insurance as an endorsement or as a standalone policy.
What should residents do to prepare for potential earthquakes?
Residents should prepare by securing heavy furniture, creating an emergency kit, and considering earthquake insurance for added protection against damages.
Key Features of South Carolina’s Recent Earthquake Activity
| Date | Location | Magnitude | Total Earthquakes Recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 19, 2025 | Bucksport | Varies | 1 (First Reported) |
| August 21, 2025 | Near Ware Shoals | 2.0 | 2 |
| August 23, 2025 | Coronaca | Up to 3.0 | 11 within 65 hours |
| August 25, 2025 | Northwest Coronaca | 1.7 to 3.0 | 3 (Third of the Day) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Minor Earthquake Recorded in Greenwood County
Flurry of Earthquakes Recorded in Coronaca, South Carolina
Earthquakes Strike Greenwood County, South Carolina
Greenwood County Faces Surge in Earthquake Activity
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Earthquake Swarm
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
Additional Resources
- WACH: Two More Earthquakes Shake South Carolina Overnight
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Newsweek: Warning of South Carolina Earthquake Swarm
- Google Search: South Carolina earthquake
- WBTV: 11 Earthquakes Recorded in Same South Carolina Area Within 65-Hour Period
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WYFF: Earthquakes Continue in Greenwood, South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina earthquake activity
- The State: Overview of Recent Earthquakes in South Carolina
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.
