Greenwood, S.C. Faces Aftershocks as Community Recovers from Hurricane Helene

Greenwood, S.C. Shakes Off New Quakes After Hurricane Helene

Residents of Greenwood, South Carolina, are still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene, but they faced yet another unexpected event on Sunday—a series of small earthquakes that rattled the area. Just when folks thought they could begin to pick up the pieces, the earth decided to shake things up a bit more!

A Day of Quakes

This past Sunday was anything but quiet, as the county experienced eight small earthquakes throughout the day, increasing the total to nine since Thursday. The largest of these was a modest 2.5 magnitude quake that struck early in the day. Many Greenwood residents reported feeling the tremors, prompting a flood of messages on social media where neighbors exchanged their experiences.

According to reports, the first significant quake occurred at 10:10 a.m., shaking houses and leaving residents wondering what was happening. One local, Jamie Ward Hyde, shared on the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, “My entire house shook at 10:10!”

As the day continued, another quake of 2.1 magnitude struck at around 2:40 p.m. This one was felt about 2.8 miles from Coronaca, which became a hot spot for seismic activity. Just under an hour later, residents felt another quake of 1.5 magnitude moving through, impacting the Lakeshore area and making people aware that the ground was anything but stable.

Effects of Hurricane Helene

While the quakes certainly added to the stress, the community was still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Greenwood County just days prior. The storm led to significant flooding and winds that caused considerable destruction, leaving at least one person dead when a tree collapsed onto their home.

Helene wreaked havoc, damaging approximately 315 homes in the area, and about 12,000 residents have already reached out for assistance from FEMA to help rebuild their lives. Hot meals continue to be served to those affected, as the community comes together to support one another during this challenging time.

Seismological Insights

The U.S. Geological Survey indicated that the quakes mainly occurred near Coronaca, just a few miles north of Greenwood. Interestingly, the first quake from this recent spate occurred last Thursday, registering a 2.2 magnitude. Residents are now keenly aware of seismic activity, as even the smallest tremors can feel jarring amidst their recovery efforts from the storm’s destruction.

The community has remained resilient throughout these challenges, with social media serving as a hub for residents to share experiences and offer support. Kimberly Breland, another local, posted about feeling multiple shakes, noting, “Felt strongly in the Lakeshore area. Hwy 221 at the bridge.” Such messages echo the sentiments of many living in this tight-knit community as they seek normalcy.

A Community in Recovery

As we navigate through these trying times, we are reminded of the strength of the Greenwood community. From sharing hot meals with those in need to coming together to report experiences on social media, residents are showing their ability to come together when faced with new challenges.

While the recent earthquakes have caused some understandably fraught feelings among residents already coping with Helene’s aftermath, reports indicate no serious damages from the quakes. The focus remains on recovery and supporting each other as the community continues to rebuild and recover, one step at a time.