Earthquake hits SC on Monday, pushing state above annual average only midway through year

An earthquake was confirmed near South Carolina’s coast in Charleston County on Monday afternoon.

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 2.5 magnitude earthquake nearly 4 miles beneath the Earth’s surface at about 1:45 p.m near Ladson and Summerville.

It is the 11th confirmed quake in South Carolina in 2023, according to the Department of Natural Resources. This surpasses the Palmetto State’s average of six to 10 earthquakes per year, which was previously reported by the S.C. Geological Survey. The last one occurred in Kershaw County on June 20, not far from the state’s capital.

While earthquakes under a 2.5 magnitude often go unnoticed, anyone who felt tremors or shaking from Monday’s earthquake can report it to the USGS.

No damage or injuries have been reported.

Nearly 90 earthquakes have been detected in South Carolina since 2022, according to the DNR, most of which were in the Midlands.

This story was originally published July 24, 2023 at 4:10 PM.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.