South Carolina Shaken by Strongest Earthquake in 6 Months

Fourth quake to hit the state in 2026

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

A 2.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Centerville, South Carolina late Saturday night, marking the most powerful seismic activity in the state since late August 2025. Nearly 1,000 residents across the Lowcountry reported feeling the tremors, with some as far as Fort Mill.

Why it matters

South Carolina has experienced an uptick in seismic activity in recent years, raising concerns about the state's preparedness and infrastructure's ability to withstand more powerful quakes. This latest tremor, the fourth to hit the state in 2026 alone, underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts.

The details

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake hit near Centerville at 10:37 p.m. on Saturday. The 2.9 magnitude quake was felt by nearly 1,000 residents across the Lowcountry region, with some reporting shaking as far as Fort Mill.

  • The earthquake struck near Centerville, South Carolina at 10:37 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2026.

The players

U.S. Geological Survey

The federal agency responsible for monitoring and reporting on seismic activity across the United States.

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The takeaway

This latest earthquake in South Carolina is a reminder of the state's vulnerability to seismic events and the need for ongoing preparedness efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of local communities.