3.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Central South Carolina

On Thursday afternoon, a 3.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Columbia, South Carolina, causing a brief jolt felt by many residents. The tremor, which originated 9 kilometers deep, was reported at 12:17 PM local time. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Social media users shared their experiences, describing the sudden shaking and vibrations. The United States Geological Survey confirmed the event shortly after it occurred. This article explores the details of the earthquake and the public's reactions on social media.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 26, 2026, 23:44 IST

Earthquake Details

A 3.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the area near Saint Andrews and central South Carolina, particularly Columbia, on Thursday afternoon. The tremor was reported by numerous social media users, who felt a sudden jolt that lasted just a few seconds. The earthquake struck at 5:17 PM UTC, which corresponds to 12:17 PM local time, originating from a depth of 9 kilometers. It was felt over a broad area, including Columbia, located approximately 22 kilometers northwest of the epicenter.

Public Reactions on Social Media

Social Media Reactions

Numerous users on X shared their experiences regarding the earthquake. One user remarked, "Holy earthquake in Columbia, how did I notice that but not in AK????" Another user questioned, "Did anyone in northwest Columbia, S.C. just feel a little rumble? Possible earthquake? We definitely felt some vibrations at the FITSNews world headquarters... (12:17 p.m. EST - 2/26/2026)."