Magnitude 2.5 Earthquake Rattles South Carolina

Second quake in a week hits Charleston area

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A magnitude 2.5 earthquake struck near Centerville, South Carolina just after 9 PM local time on Wednesday, with shaking felt in nearby Charleston. This was the second earthquake to hit the region in less than a week, following a magnitude 2.9 quake on the previous Saturday.

Why it matters

While damaging earthquakes are rare in the Charleston area, the region has a history of major seismic activity, including a devastating magnitude 7.0 quake in 1886 that caused significant destruction and loss of life. These recent smaller quakes highlight the ongoing seismic risks in the region.

The details

The latest earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.5, was centered about 4.1 miles northwest of Centerville, South Carolina. Shaking was reported in Charleston itself, though there are no reports of any damage. This quake came just days after a magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck the same general area on the previous Saturday night.

  • The magnitude 2.5 earthquake occurred just after 9 PM local time on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • A magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck the same region on the previous Saturday night, February 8, 2026.

The players

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

The USGS is the scientific agency that monitors and reports on earthquakes and other natural hazards in the United States.

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The takeaway

While these recent small earthquakes did not cause any reported damage, they serve as a reminder that the Charleston, South Carolina region remains seismically active and vulnerable to potentially devastating quakes, as evidenced by the catastrophic 1886 earthquake that struck the area.