What do you know about the 1886 Charleston SC earthquake?

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South Carolina is not known for its earthquakes. Hurricanes are always a danger late each fall, but Palmetto State is more likely to experience small earthquakes like the one recorded near Elgin Monday than a large earthquake.

But this was not always the case. In 1886, Charleston was hit by the largest earthquake to ever hit the eastern United States. Seismologists estimate that the 7.3-magnitude earthquake could be felt over 2.5 million square miles, stretching from Cuba to New York and from Bermuda to the Mississippi River, according to the SC’s Division of Emergency Management.

In just one minute on the evening of August 31, 1886, many buildings in a city just 20 years away from the Civil War were flattened, at least 60 people were killed, and more than $158 million in damage was done, using revised figures for 2020. Newspaper reports at the time indicated that even those whose homes were still standing, remained outdoors for fear of an aftershock.

Although this earthquake now looks unique, it was no accident. The South Carolina coast is in one of the most seismically active areas in the country, with two faults of steep cliffs beneath. The Northeastward-facing Woodstock Fault is considered the deepest by geologists, while the shallow Ashley River Fault extends to the northwest, according to SC EMD.

“If the present is the key to the past, and the past is the counterpart to the future, then the Charleston area can expect to see another 1,886-magnitude event in the future,” says a government presentation on South Carolina earthquakes.

With the explosion of development and population growth in the past 135 years, forecasters predict that an earthquake of similar size today could kill 900 people and injure about 45,000, 20% of whom may need hospital treatment. An estimated 60,000 people are expected to require short-term shelter.

Eighty percent of households in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties could be without water for days or even months, and 300,000 households could be without power. Meanwhile, an estimated 250 fires could break out across the region due to the earthquake. “Lack of operational firefighting equipment and water due to the earthquake would be a major concern,” according to the EMD study.

Direct economic losses from building damage and business interruption could exceed $14 billion, and damage to transportation systems and facilities could raise that figure to $20 billion.

Thirty percent of area hospitals could become idle, and nearly 800 bridges could be damaged beyond use. Schools and other basic infrastructure can also suffer severe damage.

Emergency officials recommend securing items in your home against falls during an earthquake, except for gas-powered appliances that must have flexible connections to prevent breakage. Ceiling fans and pendant light fixtures must be secured, and homeowners must know how and where in the home to shut off their facilities.

Basic supplies for disasters should include non-perishable food, safe drinking water, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and a flashlight with extra batteries.

Bristow Marchant covers local government, schools, and the community in the state’s Lexington County. He graduated from the College of Charleston in 2007. He has over 10 years of experience covering South Carolina at the Clinton Chronicle, Sumter Emment and the Rock Hill Herald. He joined The State in 2016. Bristow won the 2015 SC Press Association Award for Best Series, and was part of the 2016 state award-winning election coverage. Support my business with a digital subscription.

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