News Summary
A series of minor earthquakes occurred near the South Carolina and North Carolina state line, with the USGS confirming two events. The most recent quake registered a magnitude of 2.2, while a previous quake on September 24 reached 1.71. This surge in seismic activity, marking the 16th earthquake in South Carolina this year, has raised awareness about earthquake preparedness among local citizens. Experts emphasize that these smaller quakes, typically unnoticed by the public, do not usually pose a threat to safety.
Jaars, North Carolina – A series of minor earthquakes struck near the South Carolina and North Carolina state line recently, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirming two such events. The first earthquake, which occurred on Thursday at approximately 2:34 p.m., registered a magnitude of 2.2 and was detected at a depth of five kilometers. Its epicenter was located 4.7 miles south-southwest of Jaars, NC, and 16 miles east-southeast of Rock Hill, SC. A second earthquake with a confirmed magnitude of 1.71 occurred the previous night on Tuesday, September 24, at 11:52 p.m., centered 5 kilometers west of Jaars, NC, and at a depth of 4.5 miles below the surface.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has confirmed both earthquakes, classifying them as micro earthquakes due to their magnitudes falling below 2.9. Such events have been part of a recurring pattern in the Carolinas, with a notable increase in seismic activity recorded this year. The recent occurrences mark the 16th confirmed earthquake in South Carolina in 2024, a significant uptick compared to 2023, when 28 earthquakes were detected.
Earlier in September, residents experienced an unusual series of seismic events, including a 2.1 magnitude quake on September 14 and a 2.5 magnitude quake the following evening. Additionally, a 2.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in Chesterfield County on September 16, further contributing to the trend observed in the Midlands of South Carolina. Two earthquakes were also confirmed on August 28 in the Sparta, NC area, highlighting the concentrated seismic activity in this region.
Despite the relatively high number of earthquakes in a short period, experts suggest that these smaller quakes, particularly those below 2.5 magnitude, typically go unnoticed by the public. They are primarily recorded by seismographs and do not usually pose a threat to public safety. Since January 18, 2021, South Carolina has detected a total of 134 earthquakes, mostly occurring in the Midlands region. The strongest recorded earthquake in South Carolina took place in Charleston in 1886, reaching a magnitude of 7.3 and resulting in severe damage and fatalities.
Officials are advising citizens to remain vigilant and review their earthquake preparedness plans. Recommendations include checking insurance policies for earthquake coverage and securing household items that could become hazardous during a seismic event. Recent studies have suggested that while there has been an increase in earthquake activity, it may not necessarily indicate an impending larger quake.
Small earthquakes have been part of the historical record in the Carolinas since at least 1776. As residents navigate this ongoing pattern of low-magnitude seismic activity, local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the community remains informed and prepared for potential future events.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Earthquake Report
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- WYFF4: Earthquake in South Carolina
- Google Search: Earthquake Preparedness
- The State: Local Earthquake News
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Analysis
- WSAV: USGS Confirms Earthquake
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake Safety
- The State: Recent Earthquake Activity
- Google News: Earthquake Carolinas
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York 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 Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. 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.
