Columbia, South Carolina – A rare earthquake rattled parts of the Midlands just after lunchtime Thursday, striking near Lake Murray and west of Columbia.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred at 12:17 p.m. CST (1:17 p.m. EST) about 5 kilometers west-southwest of Irmo, near the Lake Murray area. The quake was recorded at a shallow depth of approximately 0.2 kilometers, increasing the likelihood that residents close to the epicenter felt a brief jolt.
Communities including Irmo, Chapin and western portions of Columbia reported light shaking. While no immediate damage has been confirmed, shallow quakes can produce sharper vibrations compared to deeper events of similar magnitude. The Midlands region does not experience frequent seismic activity, making Thursday’s tremor notable for central South Carolina.
The epicenter appeared just south of Interstate 26 and near the northern shores of Lake Murray, a heavily traveled and populated area. Local emergency management officials have not reported injuries or structural concerns as of Thursday afternoon.
Small aftershocks are possible but not guaranteed following minor quakes of this size. Residents who felt shaking can report their experience through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system. Authorities continue monitoring the situation, though impacts remain limited at this time.
