Columbia Residents Experience Shocking Weekend as Back-to-Back Earthquakes Rattle the Midlands

Columbia Residents Rattled by Weekend Earthquakes

This past weekend was a little more exciting than most for residents in the beautiful city of Columbia, South Carolina. Not just your ordinary weekend with family gatherings or fun outings, but one that included a couple of back-to-back earthquakes. Yes, you read that right! On Saturday and Sunday, the tranquil Midlands were shaken, quite literally, by a pair of minor seismic events.

Details of the Tremors

The first quake hit on Saturday, around 2:46 p.m., with a meager magnitude of 2.1. This little shake-up was centered near the town of Elgin, located about 20 miles northeast of Columbia. Just a day later, on Sunday at 6:01 p.m., the area felt another jolt, this time registering a bit higher at 2.4 magnitude, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Interestingly, both quakes struck at a depth of about 3.5 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, which is fairly typical for such small seismic events. And while 2.1 and 2.4 might not sound like much, they still caught the attention of nearly 200 worried residents who reported feeling the tremors of Sunday’s quake, whereas less than 30 had even noticed the one on Saturday!

A Series of Quakes

These recent quakes were part of a larger pattern of seismic activity in the state. In total, this weekend’s earthquakes marked the 13th and 14th confirmed tremors this year alone in South Carolina, with 28 recorded quakes throughout all of 2023 according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It’s worth noting that the last seismic activity before this weekend occurred on September 1 in McCormick County, where another 2.1 magnitude quake was detected.

Understanding the Seismic Activity

South Carolina has experienced a surprising surge in earthquakes recently, especially in the Midlands. Since June 2022, there have been a whopping 64 confirmed earthquakes in Kershaw County alone. Some scientists believe this uptick could be linked to natural formations or waterways, like the Wateree River, combined with fluctuating water levels leading to increased quake activity.

Despite the growing number of quakes, experts reassure residents not to panic. According to Kim Stenson from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, while the frequency of these minor earthquakes may alarm some, they do not expect a significantly damaging quake anytime soon. However, residents are encouraged to review their insurance policies for earthquake coverage and ensure that any loose items in their homes are secured.

What’s Next?

So, what should Columbia residents do in the face of these quakes? It might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some simple earthquake safety tips. Experts recommend that you drop, cover, and hold on during any shaking. This means getting low to the ground, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops. It’s a straightforward but effective way to stay safe!

Earthquakes may be an uncommon occurrence for the Palmetto State, but history cannot be forgotten. The largest recorded earthquake in South Carolina was a devastating 7.3 magnitude quake back in 1886 in Charleston that resulted in significant damage and loss of life. Despite this, Stenson emphasizes that now is a time for preparedness rather than fear.

Final Thoughts

As we move forward, let’s keep our heads up, remain informed, and be prepared. However, don’t let these tremors put a damper on your daily life in wonderful Columbia. Stay vigilant, and remember that an earthquake does not mean disaster is imminent. With community support and proper precautions, we can navigate these minor shakes with ease!