Lake Greenwood, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
A series of 13 small earthquakes has rattled Lake Greenwood and the Coronaca community, with the strongest measuring a magnitude of 3.0. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the quakes, urging local residents to consider earthquake insurance as a precaution. Despite the tremors, no injuries or significant damage have been reported. Experts assert that the unusual spike in seismic activity over one week does not likely indicate a larger quake is imminent. Residents are advised to stay aware and prepare for potential future seismic activity.
Lake Greenwood
A cluster of 13 small earthquakes has struck the Lake Greenwood area in South Carolina, beginning on August 19, 2025, with the strongest earthquake recorded at a magnitude of 3.0. Most of the additional quakes registered around magnitude 2.0, and while minor in severity, residents in the Coronaca community, located near the northern tip of Lake Greenwood, have felt the tremors.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey has confirmed the series of quakes, which culminated on August 25, 2025, when two earthquakes were reported in the early morning hours. As a precaution, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) issued an advisory the same day, encouraging property owners to evaluate their earthquake insurance options, as standard homeowners’ insurance typically does not cover earthquake damages.
Kim Stenson, Director of SCEMD, highlighted the unpredictability of earthquakes, noting that they can occur unexpectedly anywhere in South Carolina due to the numerous fault lines present across the state. Homeowners are advised to consider either adding earthquake coverage to their existing policies or purchasing a standalone policy for protection against potential damage.
This recent swarm of earthquakes is similar to a previous cluster of seismic activity seen in the Midlands region of South Carolina in 2022. Historically, the state experiences between 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, predominantly in the Lowcountry. However, the frequency of earthquakes observed in this concentrated area over a single week is considered unusual, according to the US Geological Survey.
As of now, there have been no reports of injuries or significant property damage resulting from the quakes. The recent seismic activity has raised the total number of earthquakes in South Carolina for 2025 to dozens, marking the most active week in Greenwood County since October 2024. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with earthquake preparedness measures and report any tremors through the US Geological Survey’s earthquake reporting service.
Experts have clarified that while minor earthquakes regularly occur in the Eastern U.S., they often go unrecognized or felt by residents. Furthermore, the likelihood that the current swarm is a precursor to a larger, more damaging earthquake is considered very low, as explained by USGS geophysicist Thomas Pratt.
Historical Context
South Carolina has experienced significant earthquakes in its past, most notably a devastating magnitude 7.0 quake that struck Charleston in 1886, which serves as a reminder of the potential for severe seismic activity in the region.
Key Points
- A series of 13 small earthquakes were recorded near Lake Greenwood beginning August 19, 2025.
- The strongest registered a magnitude of 3.0; most others were around 2.0.
- Residents in the Coronaca community felt the majority of the tremors.
- The SCEMD has advised homeowners to consider obtaining earthquake insurance.
- No injuries or major damage have been reported at this time.
Earthquake Preparedness
Residents are reminded to keep emergency kits ready, know safe places to take cover during an earthquake, and stay informed about potential seismic activity in their area. Reporting any noticeable shaking is encouraged to assist in the monitoring of such events.
FAQ Section
What caused the recent earthquakes in Lake Greenwood?
The earthquakes are due to natural seismic activity occurring along fault lines in the region.
How strong were the earthquakes in Lake Greenwood?
The strongest earthquake recorded was a magnitude of 3.0, with additional quakes around 2.0.
Should residents in Lake Greenwood get earthquake insurance?
Yes, standard homeowners’ insurance typically does not cover earthquake damage. SCEMD recommends obtaining earthquake insurance.
Have there been any significant damages or injuries from the earthquakes?
No significant injuries or property damage have been reported thus far.
What do experts say about the likelihood of a larger earthquake following this series?
Experts have indicated that the likelihood of a larger earthquake following the recent swarm is very low.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Greenwood, Coronaca community |
| Total Earthquakes | 13 |
| Strongest Magnitude | 3.0 |
| Minor Magnitudes | Approximately 2.0 |
| Advisory Issued | August 25, 2025 |
| Historical Reference | Magnitude 7.0 quake in Charleston, 1886 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenwood, South Carolina Experiences Surge in Earthquake Activity
Unusual Earthquake Swarm Recorded in Greenwood County
Small Earthquake Cluster Shakes Greenwood County
Greenwood County Experiences Surge in Earthquake Activity
Greenwood County Experiences Seven Earthquakes
Series of Earthquakes Hit Greenwood County
Four Earthquakes Rattle Greenwood County, South Carolina
Greenwood County, South Carolina Hit by Series of Small Earthquakes
Greenwood County, SC Experiences Series of Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina Shaken by Early Morning Earthquakes
Additional Resources
- Newsweek: Warning Issued as South Carolina Earthquake Swarm Strikes
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Post and Courier: Earthquake Swarm in South Carolina
- Google Search: earthquake insurance South Carolina
- WLTX: South Carolina Earthquakes Reported
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WYFF4: Earthquakes in Greenwood County
- Google News: South Carolina earthquakes 2025
- MSN: Warning Issued as South Carolina Hit by Earthquakes
- Google Scholar: southern carolina earthquakes
Author: HERE Greenwood
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