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Each time a massive earthquake hits somewhere in the world, people in other parts of globe usually want to know if a huge earthquake could rattle the place they call home. It’s a question on the minds of many in South Carolina following Friday’s massive earthquake off the Northeast coast of Japan.

South Carolina is prone to earthquakes. The 7.2 magnitude quake the shook Charleston in 1886 is proof, but as strong as it was, it didn’t compare to the quake that shook Japan.

“It was probably 50 to 100 times more energy released in this earthquake than released in the 1886 Charleston quake,” said Dr. Tom Owens, Director of South Carolina Seismic Network.

Dr. Owens says we need not expect to experience an earthquake as big as the one that hit Japan.
“The way I explain it is a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in Charleston in my lifetime wouldn't surprise me, but an 1886 earthquake in my lifetime would surprise,” he says.

If a quake does strike the Palmetto State, Dr. Owens says we wouldn't have to worry about a tsunami threat because its epicenter would most likely be in the Summerville area. Nonetheless, Dr. Owens says we should be prepared for a possible quake.

He says “we have to prepare for what we think are reasonable scenarios in South Carolina. We don't have to be prepared for a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. It isn't going to happen in South Carolina.”