Breaking News: South Carolina Records its Fifth Earthquake of the Year
Recent Earthquake Shakes Midlands Area in South Carolina
Sunday night unfolded with an unexpected disturbance as a 1.9 magnitude earthquake shook the Midlands area of South Carolina, according to data confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake was notably recorded at about 10:47 p.m. in the proximity of Elgin, located in Kershaw County. This recent seismic activity reportedly occurred roughly two miles beneath the Earth’s surface.
This unsettling event marks the fifth confirmed earthquake in South Carolina for this year, following a record high of 28 earthquakes noted in 2023. The last seismic activity in the state was detected on March 9, with two earthquakes rumbling through the very same Kershaw County.
Noteworthy History of Earthquakes in South Carolina
Earthquakes in South Carolina have predominantly been recorded within the Midlands area, specifically Kershaw County, which witnessed 59 confirmed earthquakes since June 2022. Of significant note are two powerful quakes of magnitudes 3.5 and 3.6 that took place on June 29, 2022, marking the largest to have impacted South Carolina in roughly a decade. The previous record was set by a 4.1-magnitude quake in McCormick County in 2014.
Residents who experience trembles, shaking or rumbling similar to Sunday’s event are encouraged to report such occurrences to the USGS.
Continued Seismic Activity in the Palmetto State
Seismic activities continue to persist in South Carolina, with a total of 109 earthquakes detected since the start of 2022. Most of these earthquakes, a total of 104, have been located in the Midlands area. Despite the frequent seismic disturbances, no major injuries or significant damage have been recorded.
Increasing Frequency of Earthquakes: An Unanswered Riddle
The increasing frequency of earthquakes in the region has left scientists searching for answers. Some theories suggest a connection between the elevated water levels in the Wateree River during parts of 2022 and 2023, coupled with a moderate earthquake in December 2022, as contributing factors to the seismic activities.
Officials are reassuring residents that the spate of minor earthquakes is unlikely to be a predictor of a larger, more destructive quake. However, they have also urged residents to undertake necessary precautions such as securing household items that could pose a hazard during tremors, and to review insurance policies for earthquake coverage.
South Carolina holds the record for the strongest earthquake ever documented on the East Coast of the United States. This 7.3 magnitude destructive quake occurred in Charleston in 1886, claiming 60 lives and impacting an area spreading over 2.5 million square miles.
Reported Earthquake Activity in South Carolina, 2021-2024
Reports of seismic activity in South Carolina from 2021 through to 2024 include a wide range of earthquake magnitudes and depths. The recent spate of earthquakes, culminating with the 1.9 magnitude quake in Elgin on March 17, 2024, contributes to an alarming increase in the state’s seismic activity.
