News Summary
A minor earthquake, measuring 2.3 in magnitude, struck early Thursday near Elgin in Kershaw County. Though felt by over 80 residents, no major damage or injuries were reported. This incident marks the sixth earthquake in the state for the year, continuing a trend of increased seismic activity. Experts are investigating possible connections between the unusual distribution of earthquakes in the area and geological factors. Residents are encouraged to review their earthquake preparedness as seismic events occur.
South Carolina experienced a minor earthquake early Thursday morning, with a magnitude of 2.3 registered near Elgin in Kershaw County at approximately 1:16 a.m. According to data gathered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the seismic activity was detected about 1.5 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. This temblor was classified as a “micro quake” by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD).
Despite the quake being felt by over 80 residents in the area, no significant damage or injuries have been reported. This incident marks the sixth confirmed earthquake in South Carolina for the year 2025 and the fourth event to impact the Midlands region. Prior to this occurrence, the last earthquake in the state was measured at a magnitude of 1.5 on March 19, 2025, also near Elgin.
Earlier in April 2025, a minor swarm of five earthquakes was recorded in the Augusta, Georgia area. The pattern of seismic activity in South Carolina has been noticeable, with a total of 30 confirmed earthquakes documented in 2024 and 28 in 2023. Since June 2022, Kershaw County alone has endured a total of 68 confirmed earthquakes.
The seismic history of South Carolina includes more substantial quakes, with the most powerful recent instances occurring on June 29, 2022, when magnitudes of 3.5 and 3.6 were recorded. Historical data indicates the strongest earthquake in the region took place in 1886 in Charleston, where a devastating 7.3 magnitude quake resulted in 60 fatalities.
Since the beginning of 2022, around 140 earthquakes have been identified across South Carolina, with the majority, specifically 110, taking place in the Midlands. The Columbia area itself has seen 116 earthquakes since a 3.3 magnitude quake was detected on December 27, 2021. Notably, earthquakes with magnitudes of 2.5 or lower often go unnoticed by the public and are typically only recorded by sophisticated seismic monitoring equipment.
The geographical distribution of earthquakes in South Carolina is somewhat unusual. Most seismic events occur in the coastal plains, away from plate boundaries. Experts have expressed uncertainty regarding the underlying causes of this heightened activity. Some speculate that there may be a connection between the Wateree River and the earthquakes occurring northeast of Columbia.
Despite the increase in frequency of minor quakes, the SCEMD does not anticipate any significantly damaging earthquakes in the near future. Nevertheless, residents are encouraged to review their earthquake insurance coverage and take steps to secure household items in preparation for potential tremors. Seismologists suggest that prior earthquakes in the region may be linked to both historical geological activity and contemporary human-made changes affecting the landscape.
During a town hall event in 2022, South Carolina’s state geologist pointed out that many smaller earthquakes likely occurred without being officially recorded. This observation raises awareness about the seismic potential in the state and the importance of understanding earthquake dynamics for future preparedness.
As South Carolina continues to experience a series of minor earthquakes, residents are reminded to stay informed and consider proactive measures to ensure their safety and protect their properties.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The State: Earthquake Report
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Earthquakes
- Google Search: South Carolina earthquake
- Fox Carolina: Overnight Earthquake
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Activity in South Carolina
- WeatherBoy: Mysterious Earthquake Activity
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WYFF: Third Earthquake Report
- Google News: Earthquakes in South Carolina
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER 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.
