Greenwood County, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County in South Carolina has experienced three earthquakes over two days, with the latest tremor measuring 1.6 in magnitude. The quakes, classified as micro quakes, showed no significant damage or injuries. This increase in seismic activity is notable for the region, contributing to a total of 14 earthquakes recorded in 2025. Residents are advised to prepare and secure their homes as local officials explore the causes behind the tremors, potentially linked to inactive fault lines and water levels.
Greenwood County, South Carolina has recently experienced a series of three earthquakes over the span of two days, with the latest tremor registered at approximately 7:55 p.m. on Wednesday with a magnitude of 1.6. This follows two earlier earthquakes that occurred on Monday and Tuesday, marking a notable surge in seismic activity in the region.
The second earthquake struck at 3:08 a.m. on Tuesday with a magnitude of 1.7, located about 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca. Prior to that, the first earthquake occurred on Monday night, registering a magnitude of 2.2 and located about 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca. Both this first quake and the subsequent Tuesday event were confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The depth of these earthquakes has varied, with the initial quake measured at nearly 2.5 miles below the earth’s surface and the Tuesday morning event recorded at over three miles beneath ground level. The recent earthquakes are classified as micro quakes, according to the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, and despite their frequency, no significant damage or injuries have been reported.
These events are notable due to their classification as the 13th and 14th confirmed earthquakes of 2025 in South Carolina. Prior to these incidents, the last recorded earthquake in the state was on August 9, with a magnitude of 1.75. Generally, earthquakes that register a magnitude of 2.5 or lower often go unnoticed by the public.
South Carolina traditionally experiences between six to ten earthquakes each year. Since the beginning of 2022, approximately 147 earthquakes have been detected throughout the state. The Coronaca area has notably been active, with nine earthquakes occurring over a six-day span in October 2024.
Historically, South Carolina has encountered significant seismic activity, most notably the 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Charleston in 1886, which resulted in 60 fatalities. However, occurrences outside the Midlands area, particularly beyond Kershaw County, have been uncommon in recent times—even though Kershaw County has recorded 69 earthquakes since mid-2022.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has advised residents to review their earthquake insurance policies and ensure that potentially hazardous items are secured in their homes during seismic events. Despite the recent shake-ups, no major seismic activity had been reported in Greenwood County prior to this series of quakes. However, seismologists speculate that the recent tremors may be linked to local inactive fault lines and varying water levels in nearby rivers.
As residents of Greenwood County process these tremors, it is important for them to remain informed and prepared in the event of further seismic activity.
FAQ
What caused the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County?
The recent earthquakes may be linked to local inactive fault lines and changes in water levels in nearby rivers.
How many earthquakes typically occur in South Carolina?
South Carolina typically experiences between six to ten earthquakes each year. Since 2022, about 147 earthquakes have been detected in the state.
What is the magnitude of earthquake that typically goes unnoticed?
Earthquakes that register a magnitude of 2.5 or less often go unnoticed by the public.
What should residents do during tremors?
Residents are advised to review their earthquake insurance policies and secure potentially hazardous items in their homes during tremors.
Key Features of Recent Earthquakes
| Date | Magnitude | Location | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 11:30 p.m. | 2.2 | 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca | 2.5 miles |
| Tuesday, 3:08 a.m. | 1.7 | 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca | 3 miles |
| Wednesday, 7:55 p.m. | 1.6 | Greenwood County | Unknown |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Earthquakes Reported in Greenwood County, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- The State: Earthquake Report
- Google Search: Earthquake Greenwood County 2025
- WSPA: Earthquake Reported in Greenwood Co.
- Google Scholar: Earthquake South Carolina
- Index Journal: Back-to-Back Quakes Shake Greenwood County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WYFF4: Another Earthquake Reported in Greenwood County
- Google News: Earthquake South Carolina October 2024
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.
