News Summary
A minor earthquake measuring 2.69 in magnitude occurred near Parksville, South Carolina, on Saturday morning. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the quake struck at 11:22 a.m., with the epicenter located five miles north of Parksville. While some regions of Georgia felt the tremor, no damage or injuries have been reported. This event follows a series of minor earthquakes in nearby areas, prompting seismologists to study the patterns of seismic activity in the region.
Parksville, South Carolina – A 2.69 magnitude earthquake was recorded on Saturday morning, confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake struck at approximately 11:22 a.m., with its epicenter located about five miles north of Parksville and approximately 25 miles north of Augusta, Georgia. While reports indicate the tremor was detectable in some areas of Georgia, there has been no confirmation of any damage or injuries stemming from the event.
The USGS confirms that the earthquake occurred in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Seismologists have noted that, at this magnitude, the earthquake was likely felt by residents in surrounding areas, though no incidents were reported in the city of Atlanta, which is situated around 130 miles to the west of the quake’s center.
This recent earthquake presents a contrast to a more significant seismic event that occurred in May, when a 4.1 magnitude quake was felt across metro Atlanta. That tremor originated from the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, illustrating the potential for seismic activity to extend beyond state lines.
Seismic activity in the region has been notable in recent days. Just days before the Parksville earthquake, three minor earthquakes were reported in Georgia on Monday night, including one measuring a magnitude of 1.8 near Evans, another at 1.9 near Harlem, and a third registering 1.7 in Harlem later that evening. These events suggest a pattern of seismic activity that may be affecting the area.
On Wednesday night, two additional earthquakes were observed near Grovetown, Georgia. The first quake hit at 8:19 p.m., positioned about 8.8 miles northwest of Grovetown, registering a magnitude of 2. The second tremor, recorded just 15 minutes later at 8:34 p.m., reached a magnitude of 1.9 and was located similarly close, under 10 miles west of Evans, approximately 20 miles west-northwest of Augusta, and around 80 miles west-southwest of Columbia, South Carolina.
Seismologists continue to study the patterns of these earthquakes to better understand their frequency and impact within the region. While minor tremors are not uncommon, the proximity of these recent events raises questions about the geological stability in areas bordering South Carolina and Georgia.
Residents of these regions are encouraged to stay informed and prepared, as even minor earthquakes can occur with little warning. Emergency management officials urge individuals to have plans in place for potential future seismic events. Although no injuries were reported from the recent quakes, being prepared can significantly reduce risks during unexpected tremors.
As investigations continue and monitoring of seismic activity remains a priority, the public will be informed of any further developments. In the meantime, the community is advised to remain vigilant and to report any unusual tremors or related phenomena to local authorities for further assessment. The seismic activity in South Carolina and Georgia serves as a reminder of the region’s geological diversity and the unpredictable nature of earthquakes.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: 2.69 Magnitude Earthquake Near Parksville
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Earthquake Near Georgia State Line
- Google Search: Georgia Earthquake
- WJCL: Georgia Earthquakes in Evans, Harlem, Augusta
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Seismic Activity
- MassLive: New England Earthquake Caught on Video
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- Augusta Free Press: Seismic Events in Virginia
- Google News: Seismic Activity
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
