A 1.6-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern South Carolina at 1:30 a.m. on February 9, 2025, with an epicenter near Lake Jocassee in Pickens County. There were no damages reported, but 11 residents reported feeling the tremor. This is the third earthquake recorded in South Carolina in 2025, indicating occasional seismic activity in the region.
Early Sunday morning, a minor earthquake with a magnitude of 1.6 struck northwestern South Carolina, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on February 9, with its center located in Pickens County, about one mile east of Lake Jocassee. At a shallow depth of 1.9 kilometers, the tremor did not cause any reported damage, though 11 individuals across the area, including Spartanburg and Anderson, noted that they felt the shaking.
This incident marks the third seismic event recorded in South Carolina in 2025, following a 1.9-magnitude quake near Jenkinsville on January 8 and a 2.0-magnitude incident near Elgin on January 31. Although South Carolina is typically not known for frequent earthquakes, small tremors have been observed from time to time, especially in the Midlands and northwestern regions of the state. The USGS continues to monitor seismic activity in South Carolina closely.
In summary, the recent earthquake in northwestern South Carolina underscores the state’s occasional seismic activity. The 1.6-magnitude tremor, which occurred early on February 9, was reported but caused no damage. This event is part of a series of quakes in the region for 2025, reminding residents of the state’s potential for minor seismic incidents. The USGS remains vigilant in tracking any further earthquakes that may occur in the area.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com