Greenville, South Carolina, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Residents in Upstate South Carolina experienced minor earthquakes, including a notable 2.6 magnitude quake near Columbus, North Carolina. The USGS confirmed the quake struck at 11:14 a.m. on a Thursday, with shaking felt in Greenville and Spartanburg. A second, smaller quake of 1.6 magnitude occurred near Salem earlier. Since the start of the year, three quakes have been recorded in the region, reminding locals of the area’s occasional seismic activity, although significant earthquakes are relatively rare.
Greenville, South Carolina – Minor earthquakes have been reported in the Upstate region, with the most significant event occurring in Polk County, North Carolina. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed a 2.6 magnitude earthquake that struck at 11:14 a.m. on Thursday morning, just near Columbus, North Carolina. Residents in multiple Upstate locations, including Greenville and Spartanburg, sensed shaking as the seismic activity spread over a wide area.
The USGS maps indicate that areas shaded blue represent where the quake was felt, highlighting the earthquake’s impact across the region. In contrast, a smaller seismic event of 1.6 magnitude was identified earlier near Salem, South Carolina, which occurred at 1:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Few reports were logged for this quake as it generally falls below the threshold for noticeable shaking, which is often challenging to perceive in areas experiencing lower magnitudes.
The epicenter of the minor quake near Salem was located about 7.4 miles northeast of the town, specifically east of Crane Creek and south of Shooting Tree Ridge Road. The USGS noted that the 1.6-magnitude earthquake, typical of such lower readings, tends not to draw widespread public attention.
Since the beginning of the year, the Upstate has experienced three earthquakes. In addition to the two quakes mentioned, a 2.0 magnitude quake occurred near Elgin, while another measuring 1.9 shook Jenkinsville, both taking place in late January. The tremors are reminders of the region’s occasional seismic activity, although significant earthquakes are relatively rare.
Recent records indicate that the last quake exceeding 2.5 magnitude in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina was back in March 2019, close to High Point. Meanwhile, a larger quake, measuring 5.1 magnitude, struck Sparta, North Carolina, on August 9, 2020. Observers also recall the last tremor reported in Winston-Salem from seven miles south of the city, which occurred in October 2006.
For residents looking to stay updated, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality offers resources on geological hazards and recent earthquake reports. Those who experienced the recent quakes are encouraged to share their personal accounts through this official outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the recent earthquake in South Carolina?
The recent earthquake occurred in Polk County, North Carolina, near Columbus.
What was the magnitude of the earthquake felt in the Upstate region?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 2.6, while another smaller earthquake near Salem measured 1.6.
How many earthquakes have been recorded in the Upstate region this year?
Three earthquakes have been recorded in the Upstate region since the beginning of the year.
When was the last significant earthquake in the Piedmont Triad?
The last earthquake exceeding a magnitude of 2.5 in the Piedmont Triad occurred in March 2019.
Summary of Recent Earthquakes in Upstate South Carolina
| Location | Magnitude | Date | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near Columbus, North Carolina | 2.6 | Thursday, 11:14 a.m. | About 1 km below the surface |
| Near Salem, South Carolina | 1.6 | Sunday, 1:30 a.m. | Approximately 1 km below the surface |
| Elgin, South Carolina | 2.0 | Late January | N/A |
| Jenkinsville, South Carolina | 1.9 | Late January | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Large Fireball Streaks Across Southeastern United States
Minor Earthquake Shakes Up South Carolina’s Oconee County
Small Earthquake Hits Pickens County, South Carolina
Micro Earthquake Shakes Up Salem, South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Earthquake Polk County Felt Greenville
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- WLTX: South Carolina Earthquake
- Google Search: South Carolina earthquake
- Fox Carolina: Overnight Earthquake Reported Upstate
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Polk County North Carolina
- WXII12: Earthquake South Carolina North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- The State: Recent Earthquake News
- Google News: Earthquake News
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
