ELGIN, S.C. — The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded another earthquake near the Lugoff and Elgin area of Kershaw County Monday morning.
This latest quake measured 2.3 magnitude and was centered approximately 3.2 miles south-southwest of Lugoff. It was centered 1.36 miles beneath the ground.
There have been close to 70 earthquakes recorded in the area since December 2021. Monday morning's earthquake followed one recorded Sunday afternoon. That quake was also a M2.3.
Experts suggest the quakes are part of a swarm that appears to be the longest in the state's history. The quake has also brought with it more widely felt rumbles that included magnitudes in the mid-threes. Some of those were felt as far away as Charlotte.
What's causing the swarm is still being researched, but earlier this month, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources released a report that suggested the nearby Lake Wateree could be responsible. They believe the initial earthquake in late December may have allowed water from the Wateree River to seep into new cracks that opened from the original December earthquake, which has now set off additional tremors in the area.
Researchers have set up recording devices in the area to gather more data about the quakes.
The Town of Elgin plans to host a Virtual Earthquake Town Hall on Wednesday, June 27th.
Earthquakes happen throughout the state but most occur near the coast. Approximately 70 percent of earthquakes are in the coastal plain, with most happening in the Lowcountry.
Back in 1886, Charleston was hit by a catastrophic earthquake. It had an estimated magnitude of 7.3, and was felt as far away and Cuba and New York. At least 60 people were killed, and thousands of building were damaged.
