A 1.6-magnitude earthquake occurred in northwestern South Carolina early on February 9, 2025. The quake, centered in Pickens County, had no reported damage despite being felt by residents in nearby areas. This incident is the third earthquake reported in the state in 2025, indicating occasional seismic activity in the region.
A low-magnitude earthquake measuring 1.6 struck northwestern South Carolina early on February 9, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor had its epicenter located in Pickens County, roughly one mile east of Lake Jocassee, at a depth of 1.9 kilometers. While there were no reports of damage, 11 residents reported feeling the quake, with accounts reaching as far as Spartanburg and Anderson.
This earthquake marks the third recorded seismic event in South Carolina in 2025, following a 1.9-magnitude quake on January 8 near Jenkinsville and a 2.0-magnitude tremor on January 31 near Elgin. Although South Carolina is not typically known for significant seismic activity, minor earthquakes do occur occasionally, particularly in the Midlands and northwestern regions. The USGS continues to monitor the area’s seismic activity.
The recent earthquake in northwestern South Carolina demonstrates the state’s occasional seismic events, even though they are infrequent. With minimal disturbance reported and no damage recorded, residents experienced this natural occurrence as part of living in a seismically active area, albeit on a lower scale. Ongoing monitoring by the USGS may help better understand and manage these events moving forward.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
