It Wasn’t an Earthquake That Shook South Carolina — Here’s What Really Caused the Rumbling

SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA — Residents across South Carolina’s Midlands region woke up to loud booms and shaking early Tuesday morning, sparking concern that an earthquake had struck the area. But officials have now confirmed the rumbling wasn’t seismic activity — it was caused by military ordnance disposal training.

According to Shaw Air Force Base, the sounds and vibrations originated from the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range in Wedgefield, where explosive ordnance disposal teams were conducting controlled detonation exercises.

Military Training Sparks Confusion Across the Midlands

Reports of shaking and loud booms spread quickly across social media Tuesday morning, with residents describing what felt like an earthquake or a nearby explosion.

In response, Shaw Air Force Base officials issued a rare public clarification — even as most federal communication channels remain limited due to the ongoing government shutdown.

“Due to public concerns, we are issuing this public statement regarding explosive noises heard in the community,” officials posted. “The 20th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight is conducting training at the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range in Wedgefield, S.C. Community members may hear loud explosions in the area throughout the duration of this training.”

The Air Force confirmed that training will continue through Wednesday, but did not release specific timing details for the detonations.

No Earthquake Activity Detected

Officials from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quickly verified that no seismic activity had been recorded anywhere in the state.

“USGS has not reported any earthquakes today in South Carolina,” a SCEMD spokesperson told The State.

Sumter County Emergency Management echoed the reassurance, noting that such sounds are not unusual in areas near active military installations.

“That’s a normal occurrence with their training and exercises,” a county spokesperson said.

Shaw Air Force Base Addresses Community Directly

The 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office encouraged residents with questions or concerns to contact their information line directly at 803-895-2019.

Officials also noted that due to the partial government shutdown, their social media activity remains limited to “emergency and mission-critical notifications.”

The Air Force clarified that ordnance disposal training — which involves the safe detonation of old or defective explosives — is a routine procedure aimed at maintaining operational readiness and safety standards.

A Familiar Mistake in South Carolina

While residents were quick to suspect an earthquake, this isn’t the first time controlled detonations have caused confusion in South Carolina. In past years, similar exercises near Shaw Air Force Base and the coast have led to widespread reports of shaking mistaken for seismic events.

For now, officials say residents can expect additional loud noises through Wednesday but emphasize there’s no cause for alarm.

For ongoing updates about emergency management and community alerts across the Carolinas, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.