Rare Earthquake Swarm Rattles Greenwood County Overnight
GREENWOOD COUNTY, S.C. — Residents near Lake Greenwood were jolted awake early Saturday as a rare earthquake swarm shook the region, rattling homes across Greenwood and Laurens Counties.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, seven quakes struck between 12:00 a.m. and 3:40 a.m., ranging in magnitude from 1.8 to 3.0. All originated along a section of the Saluda River on the northern end of Lake Greenwood.
Strongest Tremors Felt by Hundreds
The first two tremors were also the strongest — a 2.9 magnitude at 12:17 a.m. followed by a 3.0 magnitude at 12:23 a.m.. Both were widely felt, with more than 200 people reporting shaking from the larger quake.
While no damage has been reported, residents described windows rattling and furniture shaking during the back-to-back tremors.
Part of a Larger Pattern
This latest swarm brings the total number of quakes in the Greenwood area to 10 within the past week. Earlier events included a 2.2 magnitude quake near Coronaca on Monday, a 1.7 magnitude south of Coronaca on Tuesday, and a 2.0 magnitude near Ware Shoals on Wednesday.
Experts note that while South Carolina is not typically seen as a seismic hotspot, the state has a history of earthquake activity, including the 1886 Charleston earthquake, one of the most powerful in U.S. history.
Ongoing Monitoring
Seismologists are continuing to monitor activity in the region. Earthquake swarms can sometimes last for days or weeks, though they do not always indicate that a larger quake is coming.
Residents who felt shaking are encouraged to report it to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system, which helps track the reach and impact of seismic events.
Have you felt the tremors around Lake Greenwood this week? Share your experiences and thoughts on earthquake preparedness at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
