Greenwood County, South Carolina, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, South Carolina, has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, with a recent magnitude 1.7 earthquake recorded southeast of Ware Shoals. Over the past month, approximately 17 earthquakes have occurred in the area, raising concerns among residents. While there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries, experts suggest the unusual frequency of these minor quakes may be linked to geological factors. Residents are advised to review their earthquake preparedness measures amidst this active period of seismic events.
Greenwood County, South Carolina is experiencing a notable resurgence of seismic activity, marked by an earthquake that occurred on Saturday night. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 1.7 tremor southeast of Ware Shoals at approximately 8 p.m. The epicenter of the earthquake was located near Nation and River Valley roads, close to the Saluda River, and north of Lake Greenwood. Although such a minor quake typically goes unnoticed, it was reported felt by at least three individuals via USGS online tools.
This recent quake is part of a larger sequence, as the Greenwood area has experienced around 17 earthquakes ranging from magnitudes 1.7 to 3.0 over the past month. Most of the seismic activity has been concentrated closer to the Stony Point and Coronaca regions, which are in proximity to the spontaneous occurrences. The latest event is particularly significant as it marks the second earthquake in a week around the Ware Shoals area, with its epicenter estimated to be four miles south of the town. The previous quake was recorded on August 20, 2024, at around 9 p.m.
In the week leading up to the latest earthquake, at least ten additional quakes have been confirmed in Greenwood County. The initial earthquake of this recent activity was detected on Monday, August 20, with a magnitude of 2.0 in the early morning. Notably, the seismic activity over the weekend included seven earthquakes overnight, with magnitudes ranging from 1.7 to 3.0. These quakes primarily emanated from the Coronaca area and followed a similar pattern established the prior week.
In response to the recent surge in seismic events, more than 320 reports of tremors have been submitted to the USGS by residents in the region. This uptick has contributed to a total of 23 confirmed earthquakes recorded in South Carolina since the beginning of 2025. While the frequency of these quakes has raised some concerns among residents, there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries stemming from the seismic activity.
The current swarm is the most active observed in Greenwood County since a similar series of earthquakes in October 2024. Earthquakes are not unusual for South Carolina, yet the concentration of seismic activity witnessed recently is atypical. Experts speculate that the cause of the swarm might be linked to various geological factors, though the precise reason remains uncertain at this time.
Given the increased seismic activity, residents are advised to review and reinforce their earthquake preparedness measures. Recommendations include securing heavy items and ensuring appropriate insurance coverage for potential damage. Historically, South Carolina has averaged between six to ten earthquakes annually, with notable increases in recent years, including a total of 169 earthquakes reported since January 18, 2021, largely in the Midlands area.
South Carolina suffered its strongest earthquake on record in 1886, with a magnitude of 7.3 in Charleston, which led to significant casualties and extensive damage. Despite the current surge in minor seismic activity, experts maintain that a larger destructive earthquake is unlikely at this time, and the recent events are mainly classified as microquakes that are typically not felt by the population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the latest earthquake in Greenwood County?
The latest earthquake recorded in Greenwood County was a magnitude 1.7.
Where was the epicenter of the earthquake located?
The epicenter was located southeast of Ware Shoals, near Nation and River Valley roads, close to the Saluda River and north of Lake Greenwood.
How many earthquakes have been reported in Greenwood County in the past month?
Approximately 17 earthquakes have been reported in Greenwood County over the past month.
Have there been any injuries or damages reported from the recent earthquakes?
No significant injuries or damages have been reported following the recent earthquakes in the area.
What recommendations are being made for residents in the area?
Residents are encouraged to review earthquake preparedness measures, including securing heavy items and checking insurance coverage.
Earthquake Activity Overview
| Date | Magnitude | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 20, 2024 | 2.0 | Near Ware Shoals |
| August 22, 2024 | 1.7 | Southeast of Ware Shoals |
| August 2024 (Various) | 1.7 – 3.0 | Coronaca Area |
| Since January 2025 | Various | Statewide (Total 23) |
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Additional Resources
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.
