South Carolina Records Its Fifth Earthquake for the Year

The U.S. Geological Survey has confirmed that yet another earthquake has been detected in the Columbia area of South Carolina. This marks the fifth earthquake in South Carolina for the year 2024.

Occurring Sunday night near Elgin, the earthquake had a magnitude of 1.9. Positioned in Kershaw County, this latest earthquake has continued to contribute to the unusually high frequency of earthquakes in the Midlands area.

Tremors Through the Ground

According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, last year saw a total of 28 confirmed earthquakes. The previous record for the year was set in March when two earthquakes were recorded rumbling through Kershaw County.

Recorded at 10:47 p.m., the most recent earthquake took place approximately two miles beneath the Earth’s surface according to data provided by the U.S Geological Survey (USGS). Citizens who experienced shaking or rumbling are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS for further analysis.

A History of Seismic Activity

Historically, it has been uncommon for earthquakes to occur outside of Kershaw County or the Midlands area of the Palmetto State. In June 2022 alone, 59 earthquakes were confirmed in this region, the highest number recorded in a single part of South Carolina.

Two major earthquakes were also recorded on June 29, 2022, with magnitudes of 3.5 and 3.6 respectively. These two calamitous events followed a flurry of tremors and aftershocks, and were declared the biggest to hit South Carolina in nearly a decade. The previous seismic event of similar scale was a 4.1-magnitude quake that struck McCormick County in 2014.

South Carolina And Its Relationship With Earthquakes

The South Carolina DNR has reported that since the beginning of 2022, a total of at least 109 earthquakes have been detected. A majority of these, approximately 104, have occurred in the Midlands area since the recording of a 3.3-magnitude earthquake in December 2021.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division noted the earthquake on Sunday night was classified as a ‘micro quake’ based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. Fortunately, the recent quakes have not resulted in any major damages or injuries thus far.

Historically, the frequency has been known to typically range between six and ten earthquakes annually. However, there have been an unprecedented 123 earthquakes recorded in the state since January 18, 2021.

An Explanation for Increased Earthquake Activity?

Despite extensive studies, scientists have yet to pin down a comprehensive explanation for the sudden increase in seismic activities. Certain experts have speculated a correlation between the Wateree River and the earthquakes northeast of Columbia. They proposed that the combination of a moderate earthquake in December 2022 and high water levels in the Wateree River in 2022 and 2023 may have contributed to the increased frequency of earthquakes.

However, the single cause for the shake-up in the Midlands region remains undetermined. Despite this enigma, residents of Elgin and surrounding areas are urged to review their insurance policies, secure any loose items in their homes, and educate themselves on the necessary procedures to follow in the event of an earthquake.

The hardest-hit state by an earthquake in the history of the United States is South Carolina. A devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Charleston in 1886, resulting in 60 fatalities and affecting an area of over 2.5 million square miles, from Cuba to New York and Bermuda to the Mississippi River.