Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, SC, was shaken by two minor earthquakes recently. The first, with a magnitude of 2.2, occurred late at night, followed by a second quake of magnitude 1.7 early the next morning. Both earthquakes were shallow, causing no injuries or significant damage. This marks the 13th and 14th seismic events in South Carolina for the year, highlighting ongoing geological activity in the region. Residents are encouraged to review their earthquake preparedness and insurance policies.
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Minor Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina, was shaken by two minor earthquakes late on Monday, August 18, 2025, and early Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The first quake registered a magnitude of 2.2 and occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. near the Old Laurens Road bridge over the Saluda River, situated about 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca. The second earthquake, measuring 1.7 in magnitude, struck at around 3:00 a.m., 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca.
Both earthquakes were identified as shallow, occurring at depths less than 0.2 miles, specifically ranging from about 2.5 to over 3 miles beneath the earth’s surface. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damage were reported as a result of these seismic events. Emergency officials assessed that the earthquakes were not likely to have caused any lasting impact on the community.
Recent Seismic Activity in the Region
These tremors marked the 13th and 14th confirmed seismic events in South Carolina for the year 2025. The most recent prior quake in the state took place on August 9, 2025, which registered a magnitude of 1.75 in the Myrtle Beach area. In fact, the Coronaca region had previously experienced a notable cluster of nine earthquakes within just six days in October 2024.
Overall, South Carolina recorded a total of 30 earthquakes in 2024 and 28 in 2023. The Midlands area of the state has been particularly active, with Kershaw County alone reporting 69 earthquakes since June 2022. According to historical records, South Carolina’s most powerful earthquake occurred in Charleston in 1886, where it registered 7.3 on the Richter scale, leading to extensive destruction and loss of life.
Context of Earthquake Frequency
Typically, South Carolina experiences between six and ten earthquakes each year. Since January 18, 2021, 161 earthquakes have been detected in the state, highlighting an ongoing trend of seismic activity. In line with the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division classified the recent earthquakes as microquakes. Earthquakes of this magnitude, particularly those measuring 2.5 or less, often go unnoticed by residents, as they generally only register on seismographs.
Safety Precautions and Recommendations
In light of these recent tremors, emergency officials have urged residents to review their earthquake insurance policies as a precautionary measure. It is advisable for individuals to take necessary steps to prepare their homes against potential tremors in the future. While the incidents are not a cause for major concern, being informed and ready is wise in any seismic-prone area.
Summary
The minor earthquakes in Greenwood County, SC, serve as a reminder of the constant geological activity in the region. With proper preparations and awareness, residents can mitigate potential risks associated with future seismic events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the magnitudes of the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County?
The first earthquake had a magnitude of 2.2 and the second measured 1.7.
Were there any injuries or damages reported due to these earthquakes?
No injuries or significant damages were reported from the recent earthquakes.
How often do earthquakes occur in South Carolina?
Typically, South Carolina experiences between six and ten earthquakes each year.
What precautions should residents take after these earthquakes?
Residents are advised to review their earthquake insurance policies and take necessary precautions for potential future tremors.
Key Features of Recent Earthquakes
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First Earthquake | Magnitude: 2.2, Time: 11:30 PM, Date: August 18, 2025 |
| Second Earthquake | Magnitude: 1.7, Time: 3:00 AM, Date: August 19, 2025 |
| Location | Near Coronaca, Greenwood County, SC |
| Depth | Less than 0.2 miles |
| Total Earthquakes in 2025 | 14 Confirmed Events |
| Last Earthquake Prior | Myrtle Beach Area, Magnitude 1.75 on August 9, 2025 |
| Previous Earthquakes | 30 in 2024, 28 in 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- The State
- Google Search: Greenwood County earthquakes
- Count on 2 News
- Google Scholar: earthquake Greenwood County
- Index Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: earthquake
- WSPA News
- Google News: Greenville earthquake
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.
