Greenwood County, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County is facing an ongoing earthquake swarm with 14 quakes recorded over the past week. The latest quake registered a magnitude of 1.7 and occurred northwest of Coronaca. Notably, there was significant seismic activity on August 23, which included a 3.0 magnitude quake. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or major damage, although residents are advised to prepare for potential seismic events.
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Earthquake Swarm
Greenwood County, South Carolina, is currently experiencing an ongoing earthquake swarm, with a total of 14 earthquakes recorded in the last week alone. The latest quake, which took place on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:04 PM, registered a magnitude of 1.7 and was located 1.2 miles northwest of Coronaca.
This recent seismic activity has been marked by an increased frequency of earthquakes, especially noted on Saturday, August 23, when the region experienced a burst of seismic events, including one significant quake measuring 3.0 in magnitude. Early reports indicate that most of the quakes occurred overnight, seven of them between midnight and 4 AM.
On Monday, three earthquakes were observed, which included two smaller ones earlier in the day: one at 1:51 AM with a magnitude of 2.0 and another in the morning measuring 1.8. The earthquakes in this swarm have varied in magnitude, ranging from 1.7 to 3.0.
The seismic activity began on August 19, with the initial quakes recorded at magnitudes of 2.2 and 1.7. A noteworthy quake with a magnitude of 2.0 was documented on Thursday, August 21, near Ware Shoals, approximately 3.1 miles southeast of the recent swarm center. No significant injuries or property damage have been reported despite the noticeable tremors felt by residents in the area.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), these earthquakes are centered in Greenwood County, raising awareness among local residents. Experts emphasize the importance of being prepared for seismic events, particularly given the frequency of occurrences. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has recommended that residents review earthquake preparedness steps, along with their insurance options.
This recent activity represents the most active week for earthquakes in the Greenwood area since a previous swarm in October 2024. USGS research geophysicist Thomas Pratt outlined that typically, significant damage occurs only when earthquakes reach a magnitude of 4.5. Therefore, while the swarming activity appears concerning, the likelihood of larger quakes in the immediate future remains low.
Residents are encouraged to report any shaking sensations they experience through the USGS earthquake reporting service. Awareness and documentation can help experts analyze the patterns of activity and improve preparedness measures for future events.
FAQ
What is an earthquake swarm?
An earthquake swarm is a series of earthquakes occurring in the same area over a short period of time, but without a single larger main shock. In this case, Greenwood County has experienced an increased frequency of minor quakes.
What are the magnitudes of the recent earthquakes?
The magnitudes of the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County have ranged from 1.7 to 3.0.
Have there been any reports of damage or injuries?
No injuries or major damages have been reported as a result of the recent earthquake swarm.
What should residents do during an earthquake?
Residents are advised to drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. They should also familiarize themselves with local emergency response procedures.
How can residents prepare for potential future earthquakes?
Residents should review their earthquake preparedness plans, check their insurance options, and ensure that emergency supplies are available in case of seismic events.
Key Features of the Recent Earthquake Swarm
| Date | Magnitude | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 19, 2025 | 2.2, 1.7 | Greenwood County |
| August 21, 2025 | 2.0 | Near Ware Shoals |
| August 23, 2025 | 3.0 | Greenwood County |
| August 25, 2025 | 1.7, 1.8, 2.0 | Coronaca |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Series of Earthquakes Hit Greenwood County
Four Earthquakes Rattle Greenwood County, South Carolina
Greenwood County, SC Experiences Series of Earthquakes
South Carolina Experiences 2.3 Magnitude Earthquake
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Earthquake Swarm in Greenwood, South Carolina
- WLTX: Small Quake in Coronaca, South Carolina
- Newsweek: Warning in South Carolina for Earthquake Swarm
- WSPA: Cause of Small Earthquakes Uncertain in Lake Greenwood Area
- WYFF4: Earthquakes Continue in Greenwood, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Google Search: Earthquake Swarm Greenwood South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Swarm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- Google News: Earthquake News Greenwood 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.
