S.C. BUCKSPORT.An earthquake of magnitude 1.9 struck close to Bucksport, a hamlet situated between Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina, early Saturday morning, causing a minor but noticeable tremor along the South Carolina coast.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 12:32 a.m. from a depth of roughly 4.8 km. Despite its low strength, the incident is part of a recent series of minor earthquakes that have rocked numerous eastern U.S. states over the past few days, including Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Arkansas, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
Earthquakes in South Carolina: A Reminder of Seismic Risk
About 10 to 15 earthquakes occur in the state year, although only three to five are usually felt by locals, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). The Middleton Place Summerville Seismic Zone, which has historically been the location of the most destructive earthquake to ever hit the eastern United States, is where the majority of seismic activity is focused.
With an estimated magnitude of 6.9 to 7.3, the Charleston-Summerville earthquake of 1886 continues to be a significant event in American history. That earthquake killed 60 people, left a 60–100 mile radius of major damage, and caused damages that would now total more than $190 million. As far afield as Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, and even Cuba and Bermuda, people were shaken by that incident.
Minor Quake, No Damage Expected
Earthquakes smaller than 2.0 are rarely felt, according to the USGS. Only when magnitudes beyond 5.5 do major structural damage usually occur, however events over 2.0 become more conspicuous.
Prior to Saturday, the last known South Carolina earthquake occurred on July 16 close to Summerville, south of the most recent epicenter. Over the last 30 days, no more earthquakes have been detected in the Bucksport area.
What Would a Major Quake Mean Today?
According to a 2008 research published in the Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, South Carolina might experience approximately $20 billion in damages, 900 fatalities, and 44,000 injuries in the case of an earthquake similar to the one that occurred in 1886.
Although there was no threat from Saturday’s tremor, emergency personnel emphasize that being prepared is crucial because earthquakes can happen at any time.
In South Carolina, have you ever experienced an earthquake?Please leave a comment on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com about your ideas and experience.
