A small earthquake was reported in Berkeley County, South Carolina, on Wednesday morning, sparking attention from local authorities and residents. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division confirmed the earthquake, which was recorded at a magnitude of 2.4. While earthquakes of this size are generally not destructive, they are a reminder of the seismic activity that occasionally affects the Lowcountry region.
Details of the Earthquake
The 2.4 magnitude earthquake struck at 9:57 a.m., approximately 1.2 miles west of Sangaree, in Berkeley County, according to the USGS. Despite its small size, tremors like this one are not uncommon in South Carolina, especially in the Lowcountry and Midland regions of the state.
Earthquake Activity in South Carolina
While the earthquake in Berkeley County was minor, smaller tremors have been frequent in this part of South Carolina. For example, in April 2024, a 2.3 magnitude earthquake occurred near Elgin in Kershaw County. A similar event, a 2.2 magnitude quake, was recorded earlier this year in Richland County.
Historically, South Carolina has experienced a number of small earthquakes, and some have drawn significant attention. In August 2022, the USGS issued a rare earthquake advisory for the state, noting that a series of quakes had been occurring regularly since December 2021. One of the stronger events in this sequence was a 3.6 magnitude earthquake that hit just northeast of Columbia on June 29, 2022.
What Does This Mean for South Carolina?
Small earthquakes like the one reported in Berkeley County are typical for certain areas in South Carolina, but they usually do not cause damage. The frequency of these minor tremors, however, has increased in recent years, particularly in the Lowcountry and Midlands. Despite the relatively low impact of these quakes, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division encourages residents to be aware of earthquake safety practices, particularly in regions with ongoing seismic activity.
Though small in magnitude, the earthquake in Berkeley County serves as a reminder that South Carolina, particularly its Lowcountry and Midland areas, experiences frequent seismic activity. As minor tremors continue to occur, residents are advised to stay informed about earthquake preparedness. While these quakes do not generally cause significant damage, ongoing monitoring and awareness remain important.
