GREENWOOD COUNTY, S.C. — At least a dozen earthquakes rattled the Greenwood County area within a week, centered near Coronaca and Lake Greenwood, according to state officials. The strongest quake registered magnitude 3.0.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is urging residents to review earthquake preparedness plans and check insurance coverage following the unusual swarm.
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Why It Matters
While the quakes were small — ranging between 1.7 and 3.0 magnitude — several were shallow enough to be felt, making the activity notable. Officials say this is the most active week for the area since a similar swarm in October 2024 and adds to the dozens of quakes recorded statewide in 2025.
Key Details
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Two notable quakes struck just after midnight last Saturday, measuring 2.9 and 3.0.
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No injuries or significant damage have been reported.
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Residents who experienced shaking are encouraged to report it to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
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Experts say earthquakes below 4.5 magnitude rarely cause structural damage.
Expert Insights
USGS geophysicist Thomas Pratt told Newsweek:
“Small earthquakes like this happen all the time in the Eastern U.S. What’s unusual about this is having so many in just a few days.”
Pratt noted that while foreshocks — quakes that precede a larger one — are possible, they remain unlikely.
Preparedness Tips from SCEMD
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Drop, cover, and hold on during shaking.
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Secure heavy items inside homes.
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Review earthquake insurance options.
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Have an emergency disaster plan ready.
Historical Context
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In 1886, a 7.0-magnitude quake struck Charleston, killing 60 people and causing widespread devastation.
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In 2020, a 5.1 quake hit Sparta, North Carolina, damaging homes and injuring at least one person.
For now, officials stress that a larger quake is unlikely, but they encourage residents to stay prepared as seismic activity continues in the region.
