Dozen earthquakes hit South Carolina in one week

At least a dozen small earthquakes, ranging from magnitude 1.7 to 3.0, occurred in South Carolina’s Greenwood County over the course of about a week, centered near Coronaca and Lake Greenwood. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division advised residents to review earthquake preparedness steps and insurance coverage. No injuries or major damage have been reported.

The earthquakes were shallow, with some tremors strong enough to be felt locally, though they remained below levels that typically cause structural damage. State records show this is the most active week in the area since a similar swarm in October 2024, adding to dozens of earthquakes already recorded statewide in 2025.

USGS geophysicist Thomas Pratt said damage usually begins at magnitude 4.5. He noted that small earthquakes are common in the Eastern U.S., but concentrated activity of this kind is uncommon. While some historical swarms have preceded larger quakes—such as Charleston’s 7.0 event in 1886 and a 5.1 quake in Sparta, North Carolina, in 2020—he described the likelihood of this sequence being a precursor as “very unlikely.”

Officials recommended residents follow standard safety guidance: drop, cover, and hold on during shaking, secure heavy items at home, and verify insurance coverage. People who felt tremors were asked to report them to the USGS. The cause of the swarm is unknown, and experts say it is not possible to predict whether it will lead to a larger quake. Maintaining a disaster plan is advised.