Columbus, North Carolina, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Columbus, North Carolina, experienced a 2.7 magnitude earthquake on August 14. This is the third seismic event in the area within two weeks, following two earlier quakes. While no one has confirmed feeling the latest tremor, it continues a trend of increased seismic activity in western North Carolina, highlighting the region’s dynamic geological landscape.
Columbus, North Carolina Reports Third Earthquake in Less Than Two Weeks
The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 2.7 magnitude earthquake near Columbus, North Carolina, on August 14, 2025, occurring at 11:14 a.m. This quake marks the third seismic event in the region within a short timeframe of less than two weeks.
No reports of individuals feeling this latest earthquake have been confirmed. However, this incident follows two earlier earthquakes measuring 2.0 and 2.1 in magnitude, both recorded earlier in August near Rosman, which is located about 30 miles southeast of Asheville.
The earlier earthquakes were positioned approximately 6 miles from Rosman, specifically near Lake Toxaway and south of Wolf Ridge. With the latest earthquake on August 14, the area has now experienced a total of six small earthquakes in 2025.
Recent Earthquake Trends
The August 14 quake is part of an ongoing pattern of seismic activity in western North Carolina. A prior earthquake occurring in May 2025 registered a magnitude of 4.1 and affected large expanses of western North Carolina and parts of South Carolina. Residents in Upstate South Carolina reported feeling that quake, primarily in areas like Greenville and Spartanburg, with over 551 reports submitted by residents by 12:38 PM EST.
Reports following the August quake indicate some damage may have occurred, although details are limited as of the latest updates. The epicenter of this recent earthquake was located approximately 4.4 miles north of Columbus, NC, which has a small population of around 994 residents. Local sensors detected the quake, registering it at a slightly higher magnitude of 2.9.
Understanding the Geological Context
Western North Carolina is known for its relatively stable geological structure, primarily shaped by the Appalachian Mountains. Nevertheless, ancient faults exist beneath the surface and can lead to minor earthquakes due to tectonic compression. Most earthquakes in this area tend to be minor, typically registering below 5.4 in magnitude, and while they may be felt, they seldom lead to significant structural damage.
In fact, the largest recorded earthquake in the region this year was a 2.4 magnitude quake on March 30, 2025. Notably, eight out of the twelve earthquakes occurring in the last 25 years have been reported in 2025 alone, indicating a noteworthy uptick in activity.
Statistics of Seismic Activity in Western North Carolina (2025)
| Magnitude Range | Number of Earthquakes | Year-to-Date (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 – 2.9 | 4 | 6 |
| 4.0+ | 1 | 1 |
Conclusion
The pattern of minor earthquakes in western North Carolina reminds residents of the region’s dynamic geological landscape. Although typically harmless, these tremors encourage awareness and preparedness among communities.
FAQ
What was the magnitude of the recent earthquake near Columbus, NC?
The recent earthquake recorded a magnitude of 2.7.
When did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake occurred at 11:14 a.m. on August 14, 2025.
Has there been any significant damage reported?
There have been some reports of damage related to this earthquake, though details are still coming in.
How many earthquakes have been recorded in western North Carolina this year?
Western North Carolina has recorded a total of six small earthquakes in 2025.
What is the most significant earthquake in recent history for this region?
The most significant earthquake this year was a magnitude 4.1 quake that occurred in May 2025.
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Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
