Multiple Earthquakes Shake Greenwood County, South Carolina, Reviving Seismic Concerns
GREENWOOD COUNTY, SC – After months of relative quiet, a series of earthquakes has struck Greenwood County once again, reviving seismic concerns in one of South Carolina’s most quake-prone zones.
Two minor earthquakes were recorded just hours apart on Wednesday, shaking an area that was previously the epicenter of dozens of tremors in 2022 and early 2023. The first quake struck at 7:21 a.m. near the town of Ninety Six, registering a magnitude of 2.1. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the second — a stronger magnitude 2.5 — followed just after 3 p.m., with its epicenter located southeast of the original.
No injuries or major damage were reported, but residents near Ninety Six and the surrounding Greenwood County region reported feeling the rumble.
A Seismic Hotspot in the Palmetto State
This region of South Carolina is no stranger to seismic activity. Between late 2021 and mid-2023, the state experienced over 80 earthquakes, with many centered around nearby Elgin in Kershaw County — located just over an hour east of Greenwood.
The most intense cluster came in December 2021 and continued for several months, drawing the attention of seismologists from across the Southeast. Some quakes during that period topped magnitude 3.0, sparking fears of larger tremors in the future.
Experts noted that South Carolina, despite being outside the more well-known fault zones like California’s, is situated near the Eastern Piedmont Fault System — a less active but still potentially dangerous zone.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Seismologists say the recurrence of earthquakes in the region is likely due to natural movement along ancient fault lines buried deep beneath the surface. These movements can be subtle and unpredictable, but are still capable of producing measurable tremors.
In this week’s events, the shallow depth of both quakes (estimated around 3 miles) made them more noticeable even at low magnitudes. This explains why so many people reported feeling the quakes, despite their modest seismic readings.
There’s no indication that these quakes are foreshocks to a larger event, but the South Carolina Emergency Management Division encourages residents to review earthquake safety measures.
Should Residents Be Concerned?
While a magnitude 2.1 or 2.5 earthquake is generally not strong enough to cause structural damage, the pattern of repeated activity raises questions about long-term seismic trends in South Carolina.
According to the South Carolina Geological Survey, even moderate quakes in the 4.0–5.0 range have the potential to cause damage in this part of the country due to older infrastructure and soil conditions that amplify ground motion.
Emergency officials recommend:
- Securing heavy furniture and electronics
- Having an emergency supply kit ready
- Knowing safe spots to shelter in your home (like under sturdy tables or against interior walls)
Have you ever felt an earthquake in South Carolina? Share your story or preparedness tips in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com and help others in the community stay ready.
