Greenwood County, South Carolina, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County’s residents have experienced a series of small earthquakes from August 19 to August 25. The USGS confirmed at least 11 quakes with magnitudes up to 3.0. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or significant damage. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has issued guidance on earthquake preparedness as experts raise concerns about the unusual frequency of these tremors, prompting residents to adapt to the continued seismic activity in the region.
Greenwood County, South Carolina—Residents of South Carolina’s Piedmont region have felt the ground shake under their feet as a series of small earthquakes rocked Greenwood County from August 19 to August 25, 2025. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed at least 11 measurable earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 1.7 to 3.0, primarily centered near Lake Greenwood and the community of Coronaca.
The first earthquake occurred early on August 23, 2025, at 12:15 a.m., leading to a series of tremors that continued through the week. The last recorded earthquake was noted on August 25 around 7 p.m. Notably, the strongest quake registered a magnitude of 3.0, which was felt as far away as Texas, New York, and Rhode Island, prompting hundreds of residents to report feelings of shaking.
During the initial day of this seismic activity, the strongest shocks measured 2.9 and 3.0 in magnitude, causing noticeable shaking and disrupting the sleep of local residents. Reports indicated that the vibrations were sufficient to wake individuals and even topple small household items. The shallow depth of these earthquakes contributed to the loud booms that residents reported during the shaking.
Fortunately, no significant damage or injuries have been reported from these recent quakes. Earthquake occurrences are statistically common in South Carolina, where the state experiences between 10 to 15 earthquakes annually. Most of this activity is concentrated in the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone. Most notably, the region has a history of significant seismic events, including a catastrophic earthquake that struck Charleston in 1886, measuring between 7.0 and 7.3 in magnitude.
In light of the recent seismic activity, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division has issued guidance on earthquake preparedness. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with safety measures, including reinforcing their homes and practicing emergency protocols. USGS encourages securing heavy items in homes and being prepared to drop, cover, and hold on in the event of an earthquake.
Experts indicate that while minor earthquakes are not uncommon in the Eastern U.S., the frequency of the quakes in this recent swarm is unusual, raising questions about potential underlying geological causes. By August 25, a total of 23 earthquakes had been confirmed in South Carolina since the beginning of the year, suggesting an increase in seismic activity.
As residents continue to adapt to these minor tremors, the emphasis remains on preparedness and resilience against potential future earthquakes in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do during an earthquake?
During an earthquake, drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over, cover your head and neck under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall, and hold on until the shaking stops.
How often do earthquakes occur in South Carolina?
South Carolina experiences approximately 10 to 15 earthquakes annually, with most activity centered in the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone.
Is this level of seismic activity unusual for South Carolina?
While minor earthquakes are not uncommon, the rapid succession of recent quakes is unusual and may suggest changing geological conditions.
Seismic Activity Overview
| Date | Magnitude | Location | Feelings Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 23, 2025 | 3.0 | Near Lake Greenwood | Felt in multiple states |
| August 23, 2025 | 2.9 | Near Lake Greenwood | Strong shaking, objects knocked over |
| August 24, 2025 | 1.7 | Greenwood County | Minor shaking |
| August 25, 2025 | 1.8-2.0 | Greenwood County | Weak shaking felt locally |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Horry County Experiences Significant Increase in Earthquakes
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
Additional Resources
- WBTV News
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Newsweek
- Google Search: South Carolina Earthquakes
- WLTX News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Seismic Activity
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- Count on 2 News
- Google News: South Carolina Earthquake Swarm
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.
