An earthquake measuring 2.7 on the Richter scale struck near Elgin, South Carolina, early Tuesday morning, marking the first seismic event of the year for the area. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor occurred around 6:30 a.m., prompting residents in Elgin and surrounding communities to take notice.
Local resident Diane Welch reflected on the frequency of such quakes, stating, “We haven’t had them in a while. So, when we were having them like every other day you almost go, ‘Oh, that was an earthquake,’ and just go on about your business.” The recent tremor generated awareness and curiosity about the seismic activity in the region.
Professor Dan Frost, a member of the team managing South Carolina’s seismic network, provided insights into the phenomenon. He noted that Elgin is situated on a smaller subfault of the Eastern Piedmont Fault System. The cause behind the recurring earthquakes remains somewhat elusive, although Frost suggested it may relate to residual stress from geological processes that occurred 300 million years ago during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains.
Residents recounted their experiences during the quake. Maria described feeling her house rattle accompanied by a loud boom that startled her dog. Another local, also named Diane Welch, added that the quake resulted in an unmistakable rattle and boom, describing it as a fleeting sensation. Ada Rufter, a former resident of California, expressed surprise at experiencing an earthquake in South Carolina, noting that this event felt minor compared to those she had encountered previously.
Professor Frost concluded that such small earthquakes are becoming increasingly common for Elgin and the nearby community of Lugoff, suggesting a potentially ongoing geological evolution that residents may need to adapt to. As the community grows accustomed to these natural events, there is a prevailing sense of resilience and awareness among them.