Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 21, 2025
News Summary
In a span of two days, Greenwood County, South Carolina experienced a series of minor earthquakes, including a 2.2-magnitude quake. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage or injuries. Seismic activity in the area has raised awareness, although experts affirm that residents are safe, as significant damage typically occurs only with quakes of magnitude 5.0 or higher.
Greenwood County, South Carolina Detects Series of Minor Earthquakes
A series of small earthquakes were detected in Greenwood County, South Carolina, over the span of two days, with no reported damage or injuries. The first tremor was a 2.2-magnitude quake that occurred on August 18, 2025, shortly before midnight. The epicenter of this quake was located approximately 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca.
Shortly after, a second earthquake measuring 1.6-magnitude jolted the area at 7:55 p.m. on the same day. Following that, another tremor, this time classified as a 1.7-magnitude, struck at 3:08 a.m. on August 19, 2025, with its epicenter about 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca. The reported depths of these earthquakes were relatively shallow, occurring at less than 0.2 miles (approximately 0.32 kilometers) below the surface, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
While the seismic activity was notably low in magnitude, meteorologists confirmed that these quakes posed no threat to residents in the area. Experts suggest that typically, significant damage occurs from earthquakes registering at a magnitude of 5.0 or higher.
Recent Patterns of Seismic Activity
This series of earthquakes is part of a broader pattern of seismic activity in the Carolinas. On August 14, 2025, an earthquake measuring 2.6-magnitude was recorded in North Carolina, indicating a surge in minor seismic phenomena across the region. Historical context is also important, as South Carolina is not primarily recognized for frequent or damaging earthquakes, which mainly occur along inactive fault lines in the Upstate.
The last significant seismic event in South Carolina was the devastating 1886 Charleston earthquake, which is estimated to have reached 7.0 in magnitude and is among the most powerful recorded in the eastern United States. The recent tremors serve as a reminder that seismic activity can arise in areas not typically associated with such events.
Emergency Response
Emergency officials reported no incidents of damages or injuries related to the recent tremors. Their assessments reaffirm that residents of Greenwood County are currently safe, and no immediate action is necessary in response to these seismic events.
Conclusion
The small earthquakes detected in Greenwood County are minor in nature and not uncommon in the context of geological activity. Residents are reminded that such tremors can occur even in regions where they are not typically expected. Awareness of seismic events is crucial in maintaining preparedness, and local authorities continue to monitor any further developments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What magnitude were the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County?
The recent earthquakes included a 2.2-magnitude quake, a 1.6-magnitude quake, and a 1.7-magnitude quake.
Where were the epicenters of these earthquakes?
The epicenter of the 2.2-magnitude quake was about 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca, while the 1.7-magnitude quake’s epicenter was about 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca.
Did the earthquakes cause any damage?
No damage or injuries were reported as a result of the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County.
Key Features of Recent Earthquakes
| Earthquake Date | Time | Magnitude | Epicenter Location | Depth (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 18, 2025 | 11:30 p.m. | 2.2 | 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca | – |
| August 18, 2025 | 7:55 p.m. | 1.6 | Coronaca | 8 |
| August 19, 2025 | 3:08 a.m. | 1.7 | 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca | – |
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Additional Resources
- WYFF 4
- Index Journal
- Count On 2
- The State
- WSPA
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Google Search: Greenwood County earthquake
- Google Scholar: seismic activity South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: earthquake
- Google News: Greenwood County earthquakes
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.
