The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has launched an investigation into tremors reported across several parts of Freetown on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, following significant earthquake activity recorded along the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the Atlantic Ocean.
The tremors, reportedly felt at approximately 12:30 p.m., raised concerns among residents and workers in various parts of the capital, prompting the NDMA to engage the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists (SLIG) and other relevant authorities to establish the possible cause of the incident.
According to a public notice issued by the NDMA on Tuesday, preliminary information obtained from international seismic monitoring institutions confirmed that two significant earthquakes had been recorded along the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge earlier that day.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 6.7 earthquake at 5:44 a.m. GMT at a depth of 10 kilometres, while the United States National Tsunami Warning Center, under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), subsequently reported another earthquake measuring magnitude 6.8 at approximately 12:23 p.m. GMT.
Although the timing of the second earthquake closely coincided with reports of tremors in Freetown, the NDMA cautioned that further scientific investigations were necessary before establishing whether the offshore seismic activity was responsible for the shaking experienced in the capital.
Following the incident, the NDMA, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists and the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, established a Technical Working Group to conduct a comprehensive investigation, examine available scientific evidence and provide recommendations on any necessary precautionary measures.
The Agency explained that consultations had already been held with geoscience experts to obtain technical opinions on the reported tremors and assess their possible connection to the earthquake activity recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
As part of the preliminary investigation, a joint assessment team comprising officials from the NDMA, SLIG and the Ministry of Works and Public Assets visited several locations where the tremors had been officially reported.
Among the locations inspected were the Africell Mobile Company Head Office at Wilberforce, Youyi Building, the building housing the Independent Media Commission, Aureol Insurance Company and other offices along Siaka Stevens Street, as well as the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
The assessment team found no evidence of major structural damage, significant destruction of property or fatalities at the locations visited, providing some reassurance following concerns generated by the unusual occurrence.
However, the NDMA acknowledged receiving information indicating that residents in other communities across Freetown had also experienced shaking in their homes. The Agency clarified that its initial assessment was restricted to locations from which official reports had been received.
The Technical Working Group is expected to continue consultations with national and international geological institutions and other relevant experts to establish the scientific cause of the tremors and determine whether they were connected to the offshore earthquake activity.
The investigation will also guide the authorities in determining whether additional safety measures or precautionary actions are required to protect residents and public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the NDMA has appealed to residents of Freetown and the general public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary fear or panic.
The Agency encouraged citizens to rely on official communications and verified scientific findings while investigations continue.
Members of the public who notice structural damage, cracks in buildings, further tremors or other potentially dangerous developments have been advised to report their concerns immediately through the NDMA’s toll-free emergency number, 1199, which is accessible across all mobile networks.
The NDMA further assured the public that updates would be provided as soon as the Technical Working Group completes further assessments and makes verified findings and recommendations available.
The public notice, signed by the NDMA’s Director of Communications, Mohamed L. Bah, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to monitoring the situation, coordinating technical investigations and keeping citizens informed about developments relating to the reported tremors.
While the initial assessment has not identified major damage or loss of life at the inspected locations, the authorities have emphasised that determining the actual cause of the tremors remains a priority as scientific investigations continue.
