NDMA Begins Assessment After Tremors Reported in Freetown
Sia Lucy Kannah The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has launched an investigation into tremors reported at various locations across Freetown at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
According to the Agency, it immediately engaged the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists (SLIG) following the reports to discuss the incident and examine its possible cause. The two institutions reviewed available information and consulted geoscience experts for technical opinions.
Preliminary findings from international seismic monitoring sources indicate significant earthquake activity along the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge on Tuesday.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 at 5:44 a.m. GMT, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), subsequently reported another earthquake of magnitude 6.8 at approximately 12:23 p.m. GMT.
Although the timing of the second earthquake closely coincides with the period when the NDMA began receiving reports of tremors in Freetown, the Agency said further scientific verification was needed to conclusively establish whether the offshore earthquake caused the shaking experienced in the city.
The NDMA, SLIG and the Ministry of Works and Public Assets have established a Technical Working Group to investigate the incident, determine its possible cause and provide appropriate technical advice and recommendations.
As part of the initial assessment, a joint team of assessment officers from the three institutions visited several locations where tremors were reported. These included the Africell Mobile Company head office in Wilberforce, Youyi Building, the building housing the Independent Media Commission, Aureol Insurance Company and other locations along Siaka Stevens Street, as well as the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
The initial assessment found no evidence of major structural damage, significant property destruction or fatalities at the locations visited.
The Technical Working Group will continue to consult relevant national and international experts and geological institutions to establish the scientific cause of the incident, determine whether it was connected to the reported offshore earthquake and recommend any necessary precautionary measures.
The NDMA has urged members of the public to remain calm, rely on verified updates from official sources and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports or rumours.
The Agency also encouraged members of the public to report any observed damage, structural concerns or further tremors through its toll-free emergency line, 1199, which is accessible across all mobile networks.