Here is how large South Carolina earthquakes would need to be to damage your house
Though plenty of people felt the earthquake that hit South Carolina Wednesday afternoon, no damage has been reported.
Homes and buildings could have been damaged had the earthquake been stronger, but how much stronger?
Well, it depends.
The latest incident was recorded as a magnitude 3.33 earthquake that shook parts of the Midlands just before 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 29. The earthquake was centered 3 miles east of Elgin, at 2:43 p.m.
Read more at: https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article263032363.html#storylink=cpyTo have damaged homes in the state, the earthquake on Monday would likely have needed to reach somewhere above a 4 or 5 in magnitude in general, the U.S. Geological Survey states. However, there are several caveats to take into account when predicting earthquake damage.
The U.S. Geological Survey states that damage caused by earthquakes depends on other variables besides the magnitude, such as the distance from the earthquake, what type of soil you are on and building construction.
A magnitude 5.3 is a moderate earthquake, and a 6.3 is a strong earthquake. A magnitude 6.1 to 6.9 could cause a lot of damage in a populated area, while anything 8 magnitude or greater could totally destroy communities near the epicenter.
Earthquakes tend to cause more damage and casualties in other parts of the world instead of the U.S. primarily because of buildings that are poorly designed and constructed for earthquake regions and high population density, the U.S. Geological Survey adds.
There were also two smaller earthquakes reported in the same area within four hours of the 3.3 quake, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. The other earthquakes, or aftershocks, followed at 4:39 a.m. (1.6 magnitude) and 5:10 a.m. (1.78 magnitude).
This continues a recent trend of seismic activity. In all, 25 earthquakes have hit the Columbia area since the most previous 3.3 magnitude quake was recorded on Dec. 27, 2021, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in South Carolina happened in Charleston on Aug. 31, 1886. The estimated 7.3 magnitude quake killed 60 people and was felt for more than 2.5 million square miles away, from Cuba to New York and Bermuda to the Mississippi River.
To protect yourself in your home from possible future, more powerful quakes, there are some simple things you can do, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
- Strap bookcases and shelves to walls to prevent tipping
- Strap down computers
- Securely fasten or relocate heavy pictures and mirrors over beds
- Brace water heaters
- Ensure that gas appliances have flexible connections
- Secure cabinets to wall studs
- Secure ceiling fans and hanging light fixtures
- Brace or replace masonry chimneys
- Know how and where to shut off utilities
This story was originally published May 9, 2022 at 10:12 AM.
