Two Earthquakes Shake Columbia County, Georgia, in One Night

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Residents in Columbia County experienced two earthquakes on Wednesday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The first tremor registered at 9:19 p.m., followed by a second quake approximately 15 minutes later.

The earthquakes were felt across multiple areas, including Appling, Augusta, Evans, Howell, Maddox, and Martinez. Although seismic activity isn’t uncommon in Georgia, significant quakes are relatively rare. The strongest recorded in the region occurred in 1886 when a magnitude-6.7 earthquake centered in Charleston, South Carolina, caused extensive damage and resulted in at least 60 fatalities.

Additional historical earthquakes affecting the area include a January 23, 1903 tremor near Savannah and a magnitude-3.4 quake on May 19, 1971, which broke windows in Orangeburg County. According to the Augusta-Richmond County government, earthquakes in the state are infrequent compared to those in known seismic hotspots like California.

The Augusta-Richmond County government’s website advises residents to be prepared for earthquakes and to follow safety protocols. “Earthquakes in Georgia are rare, particularly compared to seismic hot spots in the western United States,” it states. “Given the seismic history in Georgia, residents should be prepared for earthquakes and know what safety precautions to take in the event of a quake.”

Earthquake safety tips are readily available for those interested, as experts encourage preparedness for potential seismic events. Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.