Columbus, North Carolina, August 16, 2025
News Summary
A small earthquake with a magnitude of 2.7 occurred near Columbus, North Carolina, on August 15, 2025. The quake, located about 30 miles southeast of Asheville, did not result in any reports of damage or injuries. This incident is part of a series of seismic events in the region, marking the third small quake within a week. Experts note that while low-magnitude earthquakes are common in the area, only those exceeding magnitudes of 4 or 5 typically cause significant damage.
Columbus, North Carolina – A small earthquake with a magnitude of 2.7 struck western North Carolina on August 15, 2025, at 11:14 a.m. The tremor was located near Columbus, approximately 30 miles southeast of Asheville. Fortunately, no reports have emerged of individuals feeling the quake, which is consistent with the area’s recent seismic activity.
This latest earthquake marks the third in a span of just over a week, following two tremors recorded on August 9 and August 12. Both of those earlier earthquakes, measuring 2.0 and 2.1 in magnitude respectively, were centered around Rosman in Transylvania County, located about 6.1 miles west of the town near Lake Toxaway and south of Wolf Ridge. Like the most recent quake, these earlier quakes also did not lead to reports of noticeable shaking among residents.
As of this incident, 2025 has seen a total of six small earthquakes in the western North Carolina region. Notably, a stronger 4.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in eastern Tennessee in May 2025 and was felt across a broad area, including parts of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. Following that quake, more than 23,000 reports were submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) from individuals who experienced the tremors.
The seismic activity in West North Carolina reflects a broader geological trend. Earthquakes of low magnitude are relatively common in the eastern United States, primarily due to the geological structure that allows seismic waves to travel further. Experts indicate that while these smaller earthquakes occur frequently, only those surpassing magnitudes of 4 or 5 typically result in significant physical effects or damage.
Additionally, the area surrounding eastern Tennessee, including western North Carolina, has been recognized as one of the most active earthquake zones in the Southeast, further indicating the geological complexities present in the region.
Residents of towns ranging from Huntersville to Rock Hill, and as far away as Atlanta, reported sensations of shaking from the May earthquake in Tennessee. This broad impact highlights how seismic events can affect regions well beyond their immediate epicenter.
Seismic Summary of Recent Earthquakes in Western North Carolina
- August 15, 2025: Earthquake,Magnitude 2.7, Location Columbus, NC
- August 12, 2025: Earthquake, Magnitude 2.1, Location near Rosman, NC
- August 9, 2025: Earthquake, Magnitude 2.0, Location near Rosman, NC
- May 2025: Earthquake, Magnitude 4.1, Location eastern Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the magnitude of the recent earthquake in North Carolina?
- The recent earthquake in North Carolina had a magnitude of 2.7.
- Where was the earthquake located?
- The earthquake occurred near Columbus, approximately 30 miles southeast of Asheville.
- Have there been any reports of damage or injuries?
- There have been no reports of damage or injuries associated with this earthquake.
- Is this area prone to earthquakes?
- Yes, the region, particularly around eastern Tennessee, is identified as one of the most active earthquake zones in the Southeast.
- What magnitude of earthquakes typically cause significant damage?
- Typically, earthquakes below a magnitude of 4 or 5 do not cause significant damage.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 17: North Carolina Mountain Earthquake Cluster
- News Observer: Local News Article
- ABC 11: Earthquake in Tennessee Felt in North Carolina
- WRAL: Earthquake Rattles Western NC
- News Observer: Press Releases
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
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.
