The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) has issued an official public update following reports of earthquake tremors felt in different parts of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, assuring citizens that investigations are underway to establish the possible implications of an earthquake recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
In a statement dated Wednesday, 14 October 2026, the Agency, operating under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, disclosed that it is reviewing information concerning an earthquake reportedly recorded at approximately 12:23 p.m. Sierra Leone time.
According to SLMet, the earthquake was initially reported to have a magnitude of 6.9, with its epicentre located beneath the Atlantic Ocean, more than 1,000 kilometres from Sierra Leone. The Agency clarified that the earthquake did not originate on land within the country.
The public update comes amid growing concern among residents following reports of tremors in parts of Sierra Leone, including Freetown, where some individuals reported experiencing unusual shaking.
Addressing concerns about the possibility of a tsunami, SLMet explained that earthquakes occurring beneath the ocean do not automatically generate destructive sea waves. The Agency noted that the development of a tsunami depends largely on the movement of the seabed during an earthquake rather than solely on its magnitude.
According to the statement, a tsunami involves a series of powerful sea waves that may occur when an underwater disturbance displaces a significant volume of water. However, the Agency emphasized that not every earthquake beneath the ocean produces such conditions.
SLMet further disclosed that it is working to obtain and assess information from international monitoring centres to determine whether the reported seismic activity could have any implications for Sierra Leone.
The Agency assured the public that additional information would be communicated through official channels once the relevant details had been verified.
As part of its precautionary measures, SLMet advised citizens to remain calm and observe established earthquake safety procedures should further tremors occur.
Residents were encouraged to immediately get down, take cover beneath a sturdy table where available and hold on until the shaking stops. The Agency also warned against standing near windows or rushing outside while the ground is shaking, as such actions could expose individuals to falling objects and other dangers.
For communities living along Sierra Leone’s coastline, SLMet issued additional precautionary advice, particularly concerning unusual changes in sea conditions.
The Agency urged coastal residents to remain alert to warning signs, including the sudden withdrawal of seawater, an unusual rise in sea level or a loud roaring sound coming from the ocean.
It explained that anyone observing such conditions should immediately move inland or seek higher ground without waiting for an official warning.
The statement specifically cautioned residents against moving towards the shoreline to observe unusual sea activity, stressing that such behaviour could expose them to serious danger if destructive waves develop.
SLMet also appealed to members of the public to rely on verified information from the Agency and other recognized Government authorities rather than circulating unconfirmed reports on social media.
Citizens were encouraged to check the sources and dates of messages before sharing them, particularly during emergencies when misleading information could create unnecessary fear and confusion.
Importantly, the Agency clarified that its latest advisory does not constitute an evacuation directive for coastal communities.
It maintained that any further safety instructions, including possible evacuation measures if circumstances require them, would be communicated through appropriate official channels.
The clarification is intended to reassure residents while ensuring that communities remain informed and prepared to respond appropriately should additional developments emerge.
The Agency’s statement also highlights the importance of continued seismic monitoring, timely public communication and cooperation between national institutions and international monitoring organisations in assessing potential natural hazards.
Although the reported earthquake originated more than 1,000 kilometres from Sierra Leone, SLMet indicated that it would continue examining available information before making further assessments about its possible effects on the country.
The Meteorological Agency thanked members of the public for their cooperation and encouraged everyone to remain vigilant without giving in to panic.
Meanwhile, citizens seeking further clarification or official information have been advised to contact the Agency’s Public Relations and Communications Unit on +232 77 361752.
SLMet reaffirmed that verified updates would be provided as additional information becomes available, while urging Sierra Leoneans to continue observing basic safety precautions and following official guidance.
The Agency’s statement provides an initial assessment and precautionary guidance but it does not establish that a tsunami is approaching Sierra Leone or that an evacuation is currently necessary.
