News Summary
On February 9, 2025, a 1.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Oconee County, South Carolina. The tremor hit early Sunday morning, with no reports of damage or injuries. This marks the first confirmed earthquake of 2025 in the Upstate region, following a series of minor tremors in previous months. Historically, South Carolina experiences a limited number of earthquakes annually, making this incident a point of interest for local residents and officials alike. As precautions are advised, residents are encouraged to prepare for any seismic activity.
Minor Earthquake Shakes Up South Carolina’s Oconee County
Oconee County, South Carolina felt a little jolt early Sunday morning, February 9, 2025, as a 1.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the Upstate region. The tremor, which hit at precisely 1:36 a.m., was located near Salem and measured about 1 mile below the surface. While this earthquake wasn’t big enough to cause any significant damage or concern, it got people talking!
What’s Shaking in South Carolina?
This slight quake marks the first confirmed earthquake of 2025 in South Carolina’s Upstate. Prior to this, the last recorded shake was a bit stronger, with a magnitude of 2.0 near Elgin just a few days prior on January 31, 2025. Interestingly, in 2024, a total of 30 earthquakes were confirmed across the state, while 2023 saw 28 occurrences. Earthquakes aren’t exactly a daily occurrence here, particularly in regions outside of the Midlands, where local geology usually keeps things fairly stable.
A Quick Look Back at Recent Quakes
Now, let’s put things in perspective. Since June 2022, Kershaw County has experienced a whopping 65 earthquakes. Among those, two notable quakes were reported on June 29, 2022, with magnitudes of 3.5 and 3.6. The biggest ever recorded in the state was back in 1886 in Charleston, where a devastating quake measured 7.3 on the Richter scale, tragically leading to 60 fatalities.
Friday’s micro quake, as it was classified by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, came in on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale with little to no impact. No serious injuries or damages were reported, which is a huge relief for residents. It’s worth noting that earthquakes measuring 2.5 or less often go unnoticed by the general public and are typically caught only by seismographs.
The Bigger Picture of Earthquake Activity
In total, there have been around 137 earthquakes detected in South Carolina since January 2022, with a majority missing out on headlines due to their modest magnitudes. Of these, only 30 were located outside the Midlands. The Columbia area has seen a total of 113 tremors after an earthquake measuring 3.3 struck on December 27, 2021.
What’s Next?
Experts suggest that up to 200 minor tremors may not have even been picked up in the records. There’s speculation about a possible connection between the Wateree River and the earthquakes occurring northeast of Columbia, possibly due to high water levels. However, residents need not panic; officials do not foresee a larger, damaging earthquake hitting the state any time soon, despite the recent uptick in smaller tremors.
What You Can Do
Even with such reassuring news, it’s always wise to be prepared! Residents are encouraged to review their earthquake insurance policies and take steps to secure loose items around their homes. Earthquakes can happen unexpectedly, so being ready can only help. South Carolina typically logs six to ten earthquakes each year, and while many go unnoticed, it’s always better to have a plan in place.
So, as we shake off this little alarm clock moment, it’s a good reminder that Mother Nature has her own rhythms. And while we may not always feel them, we can always stay informed and prepared!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WSPA: Minor Earthquake Reported in Oconee County
- WLTX: South Carolina Earthquake
- Fox Carolina: Overnight Earthquake Reported in Upstate
- MSN: 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Near Coalinga
- Google Search: South Carolina Earthquakes
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
