Columbia Shakes Up with Back-to-Back Earthquakes
This past weekend, residents of Columbia, South Carolina, found themselves feeling a little rattled as two small earthquakes struck the area on consecutive days. The first quake, registering at a magnitude of 2.1, occurred on Saturday afternoon around 2:46 p.m., followed by a slightly stronger quake measuring 2.4 that rocked the area at 6:01 p.m. on Sunday night. Both events were confirmed near the town of Elgin, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Weekend Tremors
Both earthquakes struck at a depth of approximately 3.5 miles beneath the earth’s surface, and while they were classified as “micro quakes,” members of the Columbia community reported feeling the tremors. As of Sunday evening, nearly 200 residents reported feeling the shake from the second quake, while fewer than 30 were aware of the earlier tremors.
The Backstory
This seismic activity marks the 13th and 14th confirmed earthquakes in South Carolina this year alone. Interestingly, 2023 has seen 28 earthquakes until now. This weekend’s events continue a trend where the Midlands area of South Carolina has been quite busy with seismic activity. Since 2022, there have been 64 confirmed earthquakes in this area, making it a hotspot for minor tremors.
The tremors the state experienced on Saturday and Sunday echoed memories of a more significant series of earthquakes that took place back in June 2022. Those quakes, which registered magnitudes of 3.5 and 3.6, were the strongest to hit South Carolina in nearly a decade.
Understanding Earthquakes in South Carolina
Earthquakes are not frequent occurrences in South Carolina—historically, the state has seen between six to ten earthquakes each year. The most significant earthquake recorded in South Carolina’s history was a devastating 7.3 magnitude quake in Charleston back in 1886, which resulted in considerable loss of life and was felt across a vast area.
In the recent timeline, though, Elgin, located about 20 miles northeast of Columbia, has become somewhat notorious for an unusual “swarm” of small earthquakes. Experts have not pinpointed a specific cause for the increased activity, but some believe it could be related to the Wateree River and varying water levels that may influence geological factors.
No Cause for Alarm
Officials urge residents not to panic. They emphasize that the recent series of minor earthquakes does not indicate something more severe is on the horizon. Kim Stenson, director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, reassured the public, saying, “Though the frequency of these minor earthquakes may alarm some, we do not expect a significantly damaging earthquake in South Carolina at this time.”
Still, this serves as a good reminder for the residents to check their earthquake preparedness plans. Whether it’s reviewing insurance policies for coverage or securing household items that could become hazards during a tremor, being prepared is always a good idea.
What to Do During an Earthquake
South Carolina residents are advised to follow some simple safety tips during an earthquake: remember to drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. It’s also important to stay aware of what’s happening in the local area and to report any tremors felt to the USGS to assist in tracking seismic activity accurately.
As the earth beneath us continues to shake in minor ways, it’s fascinating to think about the science, safety, and community connection that exists even in these small quakes. For now, Columbia residents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they’re prepared and informed, even if their weekend was a little shaky.
