Kershaw County, October 1, 2025
News Summary
A 1.8 magnitude earthquake struck Kershaw County, South Carolina, early Monday morning. The quake occurred 8 miles below the surface, and thankfully, no injuries or significant damage have been reported. This marks the third confirmed earthquake in South Carolina for the month, with increased seismic activity noted in the region. Experts believe that the recent tremors may not indicate a larger seismic event but advise residents to stay prepared.
Kershaw County
A 1.8 magnitude earthquake was confirmed in Kershaw County, South Carolina, early Monday morning. The quake occurred at 3:08 a.m. on September 29, 2025, and was recorded approximately 8 miles (12.84 km) below the Earth’s surface. Fortunately, no major damage or injuries have been reported as a result of this seismic event.
This was the third confirmed earthquake recorded in South Carolina during the month of September. It was particularly noteworthy as the first earthquake reported in the Kershaw area in several months, with the last occurrence documented on May 1, 2025, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey.
In a broader context, since August 18, 2025, Greenwood County has witnessed 18 confirmed earthquakes. The most recent quake prior to the Kershaw event was a 2.2 magnitude quake in Coronaca on September 26, 2025. Overall, there have been 31 confirmed earthquakes in South Carolina during the year 2025, a notable increase compared to the 30 confirmed earthquakes in 2024 and 28 in 2023.
Seismic activity has noticeably increased in areas north of Columbia, which is unusual for regions outside the Midlands of South Carolina. Since the end of June 2022, Kershaw County alone has confirmed 71 earthquakes. Among significant seismic events during this period were two earthquakes of magnitudes 3.5 and 3.6 on June 29, 2022, making them the largest recorded in the past decade.
Historically, the strongest earthquake recorded in South Carolina was a 7.3 magnitude quake that occurred in Charleston in 1886. Although the recent earthquakes have predominantly been classified as microquakes, which are generally less than 5.5 magnitude and typically do not cause significant damage, they may indicate a longer period of seismic activity in the state’s history.
Officials from the SC Emergency Management Division have indicated that these minor earthquakes are not expected to predict a more significant seismic event in the near future. Additionally, experts have suggested a possible connection between the Wateree River and the recent seismic activities northeast of Columbia. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to prepare for earthquakes by reviewing insurance policies, securing items in their homes, and practicing safety measures.
Statistical data reveals that South Carolina usually experiences between 6 to 10 earthquakes per year. Since January 18, 2021, a total of 177 earthquakes have been recorded across the state.
Seismic Activity Summary for 2025
- Confirmed earthquakes in South Carolina: 31
- Earliest recorded earthquake in Kershaw County: May 1, 2025
- Recent earthquakes in Greenwood County: 18
- Most recent seismic event: September 29, 2025
Historical Earthquake Data
| Year | Number of Confirmed Earthquakes |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 31 |
FAQ
What magnitude was the earthquake in Kershaw County?
A 1.8 magnitude earthquake was confirmed in Kershaw County, South Carolina.
When did the earthquake occur?
The quake occurred at 3:08 a.m. on September 29, 2025.
How many earthquakes have been confirmed in South Carolina in 2025?
In total, there have been 31 confirmed earthquakes in South Carolina in 2025.
What is the strongest earthquake recorded in South Carolina?
The strongest earthquake recorded in South Carolina was a 7.3 magnitude quake in Charleston in 1886.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Recent Earthquake Series Hits Greenwood County
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Two Small Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Minor Earthquakes
Two Earthquakes Shake Greenwood County, South Carolina
Recent Minor Earthquakes Strike Greenwood County
South Carolina Experiences 2.3 Magnitude Earthquake
Minor Earthquake Hits South Carolina Near Elgin
Minor Earthquake Shakes South Carolina Early Morning
Elgin, South Carolina Shaken by 2.3 Magnitude Earthquake
Minor Earthquake Shakes Elgin, South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- WISTV
- Newsweek
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Earthquake
- Google Search: South Carolina 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.
