Charleston Earthquake: Magnitude 2.9 Quake Felt by 850+ in SC

Earthquake Rattles Charleston Area, Hundreds Report Feeling Tremors

A magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck near Charleston, South Carolina, late Saturday night, prompting over 850 reports of people feeling the tremors as of Sunday morning. The quake occurred around 10:37 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Centerville area, northwest of Charleston, situated between Dorchester Road and the Ashley River, just southeast of the historic Fort Dorchester Ruins. The USGS reported a depth of approximately 5.2 kilometers (3.2 miles).

This recent seismic event marks the second earthquake in the region within a week. On February 3rd, a magnitude 2.3 earthquake was reported nearby. While earthquakes below a magnitude of 2.5 are typically difficult for people to perceive, the widespread reports suggest this quake was distinctly felt by residents across the tri-county area, including Summerville and parts of Berkeley County.

The Charleston region has a well-documented history of seismic activity. While Kershaw County has garnered attention for earthquakes in recent years, the area surrounding Summerville and Charleston is recognized as one of the most earthquake-prone regions in South Carolina. This is largely due to the devastating Charleston Earthquake of 1886, which remains the most damaging earthquake ever recorded in the eastern United States, according to the South Carolina State Museum.

The USGS records indicate that as of 10:00 a.m. On Sunday, more than 850 individuals had reported feeling the effects of the magnitude 2.9 earthquake. At this time, there have been no reports of damage or injuries related to the quake.

The recent activity serves as a reminder of the potential for seismic events in the region, even though they are relatively infrequent. The USGS continues to monitor the area for further activity.