Freetown, 13th October 2026— The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has launched an investigation into reports of earth tremors felt across several parts of Freetown on Tuesday afternoon following two powerful earthquakes recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
Residents and workers in various parts of the capital reported experiencing shaking at about 12:30 p.m., prompting the NDMA to immediately engage the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists (SLIG) to assess the incident and determine its possible cause.
According to the agency, preliminary information obtained from international seismic monitoring organisations confirmed significant earthquake activity along the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge on Tuesday.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 6.7 earthquake at 5:44 a.m. GMT at a depth of 10 kilometres. Later, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA) reported another earthquake measuring magnitude 6.8 at approximately 12:23 p.m. GMT.
While the timing of the second earthquake closely corresponded with reports of tremors in Freetown, the NDMA said further scientific analysis is required before any direct link can be established between the offshore seismic activity and the shaking experienced in the city.
To support the investigation, the NDMA, SLIG and the Ministry of Works and Public Assets have established a Technical Working Group tasked with determining the source of the tremors and providing recommendations based on scientific findings.
A joint assessment team from the three institutions visited several locations where tremors were reported, including the Africell Head Office in Wilberforce, Youyi Building, a commercial building on Siaka Stevens Street housing the Independent Media Commission and Aureol Insurance Company, as well as the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
According to the initial assessment, no major structural damage, significant property destruction or fatalities were recorded at any of the inspected locations.
The NDMA also noted that reports suggested people in other parts of Freetown felt similar tremors in their homes, although the agency’s assessment was limited to locations from which official reports had been received.
Authorities said the Technical Working Group will continue consultations with national and international geoscience experts and geological institutions to establish whether the tremors were connected to the earthquakes recorded along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The NDMA has urged residents to remain calm, rely on verified information from official sources and avoid sharing unverified claims on social media.
Members of the public have also been encouraged to report any damage, structural concerns or additional tremors through the agency’s toll-free emergency line, 1199.
The agency said further updates will be issued as investigations progress and more scientific evidence becomes available.
