College of Charleston measures rare earthquake near Barnwell

Authorities say several people reported feeling shaky ground as a small earthquake jarred part of southwestern South Carolina.

College of Charleston scientists say their seismometers detected the quake around 12:15 p.m. Friday, but the exact epicenter and strength haven’t been determined.

Barnwell County Emergency Management Director Roger Riley said no injuries or damage have been reported.

He said about eight calls came in from people along the edge of the Savannah River Site nuclear complex between Snelling to Williston.

A complex spokesman said he hadn’t heard of any problems.

Scientists said earthquakes are rare in the Barnwell area.

Quakes are more common near Charleston, where an earthquake killed more than 100 people in 1886.