News Summary
A 1.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Myrtle Beach, marking the first seismic event in the area in nearly two decades. The quake occurred at a depth of 2.9 miles and comes amid a trend of increased seismic activity in South Carolina, with 31 confirmed earthquakes this year alone. While minor, the event serves as a reminder of the region’s geological dynamics and highlights the importance of public safety and preparedness in the event of more significant seismic occurrences.
Myrtle Beach Experiences Minor Earthquake
A 1.9-magnitude earthquake struck approximately five miles west of Bucksport, near Myrtle Beach, at 12:32 a.m. on Saturday morning. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 2.9 miles beneath the surface. This seismic event marks an important occurrence as it is the first earthquake recorded near Myrtle Beach in nearly 20 years.
Reports from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) indicate that the earthquake is part of a broader trend, with 31 confirmed earthquakes reported in 2025 in South Carolina already. Comparatively, the state had experienced 30 earthquakes in 2024 and 28 in 2023. The last earthquake prior to this was yesterday’s recorded 2.2-magnitude quake near Summerville on July 16, demonstrating a continued, if minor, seismic activity within the region.
Additional Regional Seismic Activity
On the same day as the Myrtle Beach earthquake, two other tremors were detected in neighboring North Carolina—one was recorded at a magnitude of 2.1 near Rosman, while another registered 1.8 magnitude in close proximity. General data suggests that earthquakes with magnitudes around 2.0 and lower typically go unnoticed by the public due to their mild nature. As of late Saturday morning, only reports of light shaking for the 1.8-magnitude quake near Rosman were received, with no damage reported.
Understanding South Carolina’s Seismic History
Earthquakes, while relatively rare in South Carolina, do occur, and the state’s geology suggests that seismic activity can happen from time to time. The occurrence of the Bucksport earthquake serves as a reminder of this phenomenon in a state that historically has not been characterized by frequent or severe seismic events. The SCEMD and local emergency services maintain monitoring systems to ensure public safety and preparedness in the event of significant seismic activity.
Seismologists point out that small earthquakes like the event experienced in Myrtle Beach are not uncommon and serve as part of the earth’s routine movements. As residents of Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas awaken to news of the quake, fears and thoughts about safety may arise, yet the seismic community emphasizes that such minor tremors generally pose minimal risk.
Conclusion
The recent earthquake near Myrtle Beach is a significant moment in the region’s seismic reporting history, especially given the twenty-year gap since a similar event was recorded nearby. While the quake itself was minor and caused no damage, it provides an opportunity for residents to remain informed about the geological dynamics of their locale. As with any natural event, knowledge and preparation are key to ensuring safety should a more significant earthquake occur in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- AOL News
- Google Search: Earthquake in Myrtle Beach
- WPDE News
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Preparedness
- WIS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- The State
- Google News: South Carolina Earthquakes
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
