Series of Earthquakes Shake Elgin and Highlighting Seismic History in Upstate South Carolina

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a sequence of minor earthquakes near Elgin, South Carolina, over the weekend. The first tremor occurred on Saturday, registering a magnitude of 2.1 at a depth of 3 kilometers. It struck at 1:46 p.m., about 4.2 miles southeast of Elgin and approximately 20.3 miles northeast of Columbia.

A second earthquake followed on Sunday, hitting the same region near Elgin. This quake had a slightly higher magnitude of 2.4 and a shallower depth of 2 kilometers. It occurred at 5:01 p.m., again causing minor tremors that were reported in nearby areas.

Later that night, a third earthquake was recorded at 11:53 p.m., with a magnitude of 2.2 and a depth of 1 kilometer. The epicenter of this tremor was located 4.6 miles east southeast of Pageland, marking a spread of activity beyond the immediate Elgin area.

Though these earthquakes were minor, with magnitudes below 3.0, the sequence of events highlights the region’s occasional seismic activity. Residents reported feeling some of the tremors, but there have been no reports of damage or injuries.

Seismic History of Upstate South Carolina

While South Carolina is not widely known for major earthquakes, the upstate region has experienced periodic seismic activity over the years. The Upstate, which includes counties like Anderson, Greenville, Laurens, Spartanburg, and Oconee, sits near several minor fault lines that occasionally produce tremors. These quakes are usually small in magnitude, often going unnoticed or causing minimal impact.

One of the most memorable earthquakes in the upstate occurred on August 9, 2020, when a magnitude 2.4 quake was reported near Anderson. It was felt by residents in nearby counties but did not result in significant damage. Another tremor followed in March 2021, when a 2.5 magnitude earthquake shook parts of Greenwood County.

Oconee and Pickens counties have also experienced small seismic events, with the region seeing occasional quakes between 1.5 and 3.0 magnitude over the last decade. The most active seismic area in the Upstate is near the border of Greenville and Spartanburg counties, where the geological conditions make the region more prone to minor tremors.

Although the upstate has not seen any major destructive earthquakes, the regular occurrence of minor seismic events reminds residents that the region is geologically active. Local emergency services encourage preparedness for potential future quakes, particularly for homes and buildings in more quake-prone areas.