Recent earthquakes in South Carolina
South Carolina has the highest earthquake hazard on the U.S. East Coast, centred near Charleston, where intraplate faults deep within the North American Plate remain active. The 1886 Charleston earthquake (about M7.0) was one of the most powerful known in the eastern United States, causing severe damage and dozens of deaths. Its exact fault source is still studied. In the past 24 hours, South Carolina has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Why does South Carolina have earthquakes?
South Carolina sits within the stable interior of the North American Plate, but ancient buried faults near Charleston remain under stress and occasionally slip. This intraplate activity gives the state the highest earthquake hazard along the Atlantic seaboard.
What was the 1886 Charleston earthquake?
The August 31, 1886 Charleston earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.0, was one of the largest known in the eastern United States. It killed around 60 people, damaged most buildings in Charleston, and was felt as far as Chicago and Boston.
Could another large earthquake strike Charleston?
Yes. The faults responsible for the 1886 earthquake remain active, and scientists regard a repeat as possible over long timescales. Because eastern crust transmits shaking efficiently, such an event would be felt across a wide region.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.