2.1-Magnitude Earthquake Recorded Near Parksville
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported a relatively minor 2.1-magnitude earthquake near Parksville, South Carolina. The earthquake, which had a depth of 5 kilometers, occurred at 1:53 a.m., approximately 5.4 miles northeast of Parksville.
Previous Earthquakes in the Region
This recent tremor follows a similar incident near Jackson last week, with the USGS reporting a minor 1.9-magnitude earthquake with a depth of 0 kilometers. This earthquake occurred 7.1 miles southeast of Jackson at 7:06 p.m. According to the USGS, this quake also reported impacts 21.2 miles south of Aiken and 21.8 miles southeast of Augusta.
A minor earthquake of this magnitude, usually referred to as a microearthquake, is so minor that they are often unnoticed by residents. State officials indicate that about 10 to 15 earthquakes are recorded yearly in South Carolina, with only three to five of them noticeable or felt by the population.
Public Safety and Awareness
Though not typically harmful, these microearthquakes serve as a reminder of the geological activity prevalent in the region. The USGS encourages citizens to have preparedness measures in place, such as building an emergency kit and recognizing the signs of an impending earthquake.
West Nile Virus Cases Increasing Amid Earthquake Incidents
In other regional news, cases of West Nile virus are reportedly on the rise in the state, including in nearby Augusta. The escalation is believed to be due to an increase in mosquito population, fueled by the standing water left from the recent Tropical Storm Debby.
A Word of Caution
As families continue to enjoy the outdoors, next time you find yourself floating on the Broad River, Saluda River or Congaree River, keep a lookout for a rare black longnose gar. A family fishing on the Saluda River recently caught one of these rarity, stirring interest among local nature and fishing enthusiasts.
As always, we urge locals to stay informed and prepared for the varying natural phenomena in our region, be it earthquakes or encounters with intriguing wildlife.
