McCormick County, South Carolina – A small earthquake shook rural communities north of Augusta, Georgia, and west of Columbia, South Carolina, Saturday morning, startling residents near Sumter National Forest and the Savannah River.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.7 earthquake struck at 11:22 a.m. EDT about 11 kilometers east-northeast of Parksville, South Carolina, in McCormick County. The quake was shallow—originating just 4.4 kilometers beneath the surface—and was felt in towns across the western Midlands and eastern Georgia, including parts of Edgefield and Lincoln counties.
The epicenter was located near the forested region between Modoc and the Sumter National Forest boundary. At least 29 people reported light shaking, with no damage or injuries confirmed. Residents described a single jolt or low rumble lasting a few seconds.
Campers near Lake Thurmond and hikers in Sumter National Forest noted brief ground movement, but no trail or infrastructure impacts have been reported. Emergency managers are urging residents in older homes to check for structural cracks and review earthquake readiness plans.
While this was a minor seismic event, the region is no stranger to occasional tremors. Aftershocks are unlikely but possible over the next few days.
