A swarm of at least 11 small earthquakes has rattled parts of South Carolina, specifically in the Greenwood County area near Coronaca over the past week, prompting state officials to urge residents to review emergency preparedness
guidance.
Seismic activity started in the early hours of Aug. 23 and continued through Aug. 25, producing tremors ranging in magnitude from 1.7 to 3.0. The first tremor occurred at approximately 12:17 a.m. on Aug. 23, registering 2.9 on the Richter scale, followed just six minutes later by a 3.0-magnitude quake,
according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Within 65 hours, nine additional quakes occurred, the last being an earthquake 1.9 miles N of Coronaca with a 2.0 magnitude earthquake occuring around 1:51 a.m. on Aug. 25,
according to the USGS.
Residents across the region reported feeling moderate to strong shaking. "We live in Abbeville and I felt one the other day; thought it was a sonic boom from the airport...prayers for y'All,"
wrote one resident on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division's Facebook post. "I felt tremors in Donalds around 8:06… I thought maybe it was my imagination. House was quiet and there was a low rumble and the whole house shook for several moments. Enough that even the cats sat up and took notice. So that may be 3 in the area the preceded the 4th later and possibly stronger one!!,"
wrote another.
"After an active weekend of earthquakes in South Carolina, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is urging residents to take steps to prepare as the state continues to experience regular seismic activity,” states the
emergency division. South Carolina averages 10 to 20 earthquakes a year, most are in the Lowcountry, but geologists note that fault lines run statewide.
“Earthquakes can happen anywhere in South Carolina, and they often occur without warning,” said SCEMD Director Kim Stenson. “There are many fault lines under our feet, and we want every household to be informed, prepared, and resilient before the next event.”
South Carolina's most significant earthquake occurred on Aug. 31, 1886, near Charleston, with a magnitude of 7.3. This event remains the largest ever recorded along the eastern United States seaboard. It caused extensive damage, resulting in 60 fatalities and impacting over 2,000 buildings, according to the state’s earthquake guide.
The tremor was felt from Chicago to Cuba. The 1913 Union County earthquake was recorded as the state's second-largest, with an estimated magnitude of 4.1.
"The South Carolina Department of Insurance encourages people to protect themselves from the potentially devastating effects of an earthquake by obtaining earthquake insurance coverage," states SCEMD. "Since earthquakes can cause extensive structural damage, having this coverage ensures you’re not left facing major expenses alone."
"To help South Carolinians get ready and stay ready, SCEMD has published the South Carolina Earthquake Guide, a free resource that covers how to prepare your home, create an emergency plan, and stay safe during and after a quake," shares the SCEMD, adding that the SC Emergency Manager mobile app includes an earthquake map and allows users to sign up for alerts when seismic activity occurs. The app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
“Preparedness is key. Taking a few simple steps today can make a big difference when an earthquake happens,” Stenson said.
