South Carolina, February 16, 2026
In a recent seismic event, South Carolina’s Midlands region witnessed two minor earthquakes, one measuring 1.9 magnitude near Irmo and another measuring 2.8 magnitude northwest of Columbia. Both tremors occurred at shallow depths, but preliminary reports indicate no substantial damage or injuries. Local residents reported feeling the quake near Columbia, highlighting the area’s persistent seismic activity, which typically sees around 10 to 15 minor earthquakes each year.
South Carolina’s Midlands Experience Recent Minor Earthquakes
South Carolina’s Midlands region has experienced two minor earthquakes within the last 48 hours, prompting local awareness of the state’s ongoing seismic activity. The most recent event was a 1.9 magnitude earthquake reported near Irmo on Sunday night, February 15, 2026, at 11:57 p.m. local time. This followed a slightly stronger 2.8 magnitude tremor that struck approximately 12 miles northwest of Columbia, in Richland County, on Friday evening, February 13, 2026, at 6:43 p.m. local time. Neither incident resulted in significant damage or injuries, consistent with the typical impact of earthquakes of this size.
Details of the Recent Tremors
The 1.9 magnitude earthquake near Irmo occurred at a very shallow depth of 3.6 kilometers (approximately 2.2 miles). While the United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the event, it was not widely reported as felt by residents. Shallow earthquakes, however, are often felt more strongly than deeper ones because of their proximity to the Earth’s surface.
The earlier 2.8 magnitude earthquake near Columbia was also notably shallow, striking at a depth of about 3 miles (approximately 3.9 kilometers or 2.4 miles). This tremor was reported by the USGS, The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). Residents in nearby communities, including Irmo and Lexington, reported feeling the ground shake. Many described the sensation as a distinct “boom” sound. Despite being felt by local populations, preliminary assessments indicated no substantial damage to property or any reported injuries.
South Carolina’s Persistent Seismic Activity
These recent tremors underscore the continuous seismic activity present across South Carolina. The state typically experiences between 10 and 15 earthquakes each year. While most of these are minor, they serve as a reminder of the region’s geological characteristics.
Earlier this month, on February 7, 2026, a 2.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Centerville, southeast of Clemson. This particular event was reported as the most powerful seismic activity in the Palmetto State in nearly six months and was felt by approximately 800 people. Additionally, on February 11, 2026, a 2.4 magnitude earthquake with a very shallow depth occurred near Charleston in Dorchester County. These events, alongside the recent tremors in the Midlands, highlight a pattern of frequent, albeit mostly minor, seismic occurrences.
Geological Context and Historical Perspective
The concentration of seismic activity is often observed in areas like the Charleston-Summerville region, which is recognized as the most active seismic zone in South Carolina. Seismologists suggest that these earthquakes often occur along old fault lines, some of which are believed to have formed roughly 200 million years ago during the Paleozoic Era. These ancient faults can become reactivated, leading to the minor tremors experienced today.
Historically, South Carolina has experienced much larger seismic events, most notably the devastating 1886 Charleston earthquake. This powerful quake, estimated to be between magnitude 7.0 and 7.3, caused extensive damage and resulted in numerous fatalities in the Charleston area. While such large-scale events are rare, the frequent smaller quakes serve as a natural indicator of the underlying geological processes in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the most recent earthquake in South Carolina?
- The most recent earthquake was a 1.9 magnitude earthquake near Irmo on Sunday night, February 15, 2026, at 11:57 p.m. local time.
- Was there another earthquake recently in South Carolina?
- Yes, a 2.8 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 12 miles northwest of Columbia, in Richland County, on Friday evening, February 13, 2026, at 6:43 p.m. local time.
- Where did the 2.8 magnitude earthquake occur?
- The 2.8 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 12 miles northwest of Columbia, in Richland County, South Carolina.
- Was there any damage from these recent earthquakes?
- Preliminary assessments indicated no significant damage or injuries from either the 1.9 magnitude or the 2.8 magnitude earthquakes.
- How deep were the recent earthquakes?
- The 1.9 magnitude earthquake near Irmo had a very shallow depth of 3.6 kilometers (approximately 2.2 miles). The 2.8 magnitude earthquake near Columbia had a shallow depth of about 3 miles (approximately 3.9 kilometers or 2.4 miles).
- Are earthquakes common in South Carolina?
- Yes, South Carolina typically experiences between 10 and 15 earthquakes each year.
- What is the most active seismic region in South Carolina?
- The Charleston-Summerville region is recognized as the most active seismic zone in South Carolina.
Key Earthquake Features
| Feature | 1.9 Magnitude Earthquake (Irmo) | 2.8 Magnitude Earthquake (Columbia) |
|---|---|---|
| Date & Time (Local) | Sunday, February 15, 2026, 11:57 p.m. | Friday, February 13, 2026, 6:43 p.m. |
| Magnitude | 1.9 | 2.8 |
| Location | Near Irmo, South Carolina | Approx. 12 miles northwest of Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina |
| Depth | 3.6 kilometers (approx. 2.2 miles) | Approx. 3 miles (approx. 3.9 kilometers or 2.4 miles) |
| Felt Reports | Not widely reported as felt | Reported felt in Irmo and Lexington, described as a “boom” sound |
| Damage Reported | None significant | None significant |
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Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
