1886 Charleston earthquake

The 1886 Charleston earthquake in South Carolina occurred about 9:50 p.m. local time August 31. It caused 60 deaths and $5–6 million ($186.51 million in 2023) in damage to 2,000 buildings in the Southeastern United States. It is one of the most powerful and damaging earthquakes to hit the East Coast of the United States.

1886 Charleston earthquake
Damage on Tradd Street
UTC time1886-09-01 02:51:00
USGS-ANSSComCat
Local dateAugust 31, 1886 (1886-08-31)
Local time21:51
Magnitude6.9–7.3 Mw
Epicenter32.9°N 80.0°W / 32.9; -80.0
TypeUnknown
Areas affectedSouth Carolina,
United States
Total damage$5–6 million
Max. intensityMMI X (Extreme)
Casualties60 deaths

Scientists have classified it as an intraplate earthquake, and said that it had an estimated moment magnitude of 6.9–7.3 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme). Very little to no historical earthquake activity had occurred in this region, which is unusual for any seismic area.

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