Greenwood County, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, South Carolina experienced two minor earthquakes on Saturday evening, with magnitudes of 1.3 and 1.7. While most residents did not feel them, a few reported the tremors. This is part of a larger trend of unusual seismic activity in the area, with 17 earthquakes recorded in the last 30 days. Authorities are urging locals to review their insurance policies and prepare for potential aftershocks, given this unusual uptick in seismic events in the region.
Greenwood County, South Carolina, experienced two minor earthquakes on Saturday evening, according to data released by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quakes, which occurred just seconds apart, raised awareness of ongoing seismic activity in the region.
The first earthquake was recorded at 8:28:04 PM, registering a magnitude of 1.3. Its epicenter was located approximately 8.3 miles northeast of Greenwood. The subsequent quake followed immediately at 8:28:05 PM, with a magnitude of 1.7, and was located 11.2 miles north of the city.
Typically, earthquakes of this magnitude are not felt by the general population and often go unnoticed. However, at least three residents reported feeling the tremors via USGS’s online reporting tools. The epicenter of the stronger tremor was estimated to be near the intersection of Nation and River Valley roads, close to the Saluda River and just north of Lake Greenwood.
This weekend’s earthquakes are part of a larger pattern of seismic activity that has affected Greenwood County recently. Over the past 30 days, the area has recorded approximately 17 earthquakes, with magnitudes that ranged from 1.7 to as strong as 3.0. Most of these quakes have concentrated near Stony Point and Coronaca, with only two occurring near Ware Shoals. The last notable earthquake in the area took place on August 20, 2023, at 9 PM, with a magnitude of 2.0.
Remarkably, seven earthquakes were documented between midnight and 4 AM on Saturday alone, with intensities varying from 1.7 to 3.0. In total, more than 320 individuals have reported feeling earthquakes in the region over the last month. The area continues to experience aftershocks, with a total of ten earthquakes logged since the weekend, and additional ones observed on Monday.
This uptick in seismic activity is unprecedented for South Carolina in recent years, with 23 confirmed earthquakes recorded in 2025 alone. Fortunately, no significant injuries or damage have been reported in relation to these recent events. In light of this increased activity, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division is advising residents to review insurance policies for coverage related to earthquakes and to secure items in their homes.
Seismologists assert that while earthquakes in the Eastern United States are not unusual, the latest frequency of tremors in this specific area is remarkable. The largest earthquake ever recorded in South Carolina was a 7.3 magnitude quake that struck Charleston in 1886.
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting any tremors they feel to the USGS and to stay informed about seismic activity. Historically, South Carolina has recorded a total of 169 earthquakes since January 18, 2021, with the majority occurring in the Midlands region. While the frequency of minor earthquakes is rising, experts do not anticipate a significant damaging earthquake to emerge in the immediate future.
FAQ Section
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes reported in Greenwood County?
Two earthquakes were reported with magnitudes of 1.3 and 1.7, occurring seconds apart on Saturday evening.
When did these earthquakes occur?
The first quake occurred at 8:28:04 PM and was followed by a second quake at 8:28:05 PM on the same day.
How many earthquakes have been reported in the region recently?
Over the past 30 days, around 17 earthquakes have been reported, with several occurring since the weekend.
Have there been any injuries or damages reported?
No significant injuries or major damage has been reported from the recent earthquakes.
What should residents do in response to these events?
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division advises residents to prepare for potential seismic activity by reviewing their insurance policies and securing household items.
Recent Earthquake Overview
| Date | Magnitude | Location | Depth (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 21, 2023 | 1.3 | Northeast of Greenwood | Unknown |
| October 21, 2023 | 1.7 | North of Greenwood | Unknown |
| August 20, 2023 | 2.0 | Near Ware Shoals | Unknown |
| Ongoing (Over the last month) | 1.7 – 3.0 | Stony Point, Coronaca | Unknown |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenwood County Faces Surge in Earthquake Activity Amid Preparedness Week
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Back-to-Back Earthquakes
Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- WYFF News
- Google Search: South Carolina Earthquakes
- The State
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Preparedness
- Newsweek
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WSPA News
- Google News: South Carolina Earthquake 2023
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