Tremors were reported across several parts of Freetown on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m. Following the seismic activity, the NDMA established a Technical Working Group to investigate the origins and impact of the event. This group operates in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists and the Ministry of Works and Public Assets. 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 investigate the tremors. Officials intend for the investigation to determine the connection between these tremors and broader seismic activity within the Atlantic Ocean. Experts from the participating organizations are currently assessing data collected from the affected areas to provide further clarity on the incident. The established Technical Working Group is tasked with analyzing seismic patterns and evaluating the potential for future occurrences.
Seismic Activity in Atlantic
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 6.7 earthquake at 5:44 a.m. GMT. This seismic event occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres along the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The United States National Tsunami Warning Center reported a separate magnitude 6.8 earthquake at approximately 12:23 p.m. GMT. This movement also took place along the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Reports from these two agencies differ regarding the recorded magnitude and timing of the seismic activity. The technical data provided by these international monitoring bodies serves as the primary reference point for the ongoing investigation into the tremors felt within the city.
Assessment of City Infrastructure
A joint assessment team conducted inspections at several sites across Freetown on 13 October 2026 to evaluate the condition of city infrastructure. The team visited the Africell Mobile Company Head Office, the Youyi Building, the Independent Media Commission building, the Aureol Insurance Company office, and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs. A joint assessment team visited locations including the Africell Mobile Company Head Office, Youyi Building, the Independent Media Commission building, Aureol Insurance Company, and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
These inspections followed the tremors reported earlier in the day. The primary objective of the assessment team was to ensure the safety of public and private facilities following the seismic movement. The initial assessment team found no evidence of major structural damage, significant destruction of property, or fatalities at the inspected locations. The NDMA continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Works and Public Assets to monitor the stability of these key buildings.
The NDMA provided a toll-free emergency number, 1199, for the public to report structural damage or further tremors. Residents are encouraged to use this line to communicate any observations of property impact to the authorities. By utilizing the 1199 emergency line, citizens can assist the NDMA in gathering real-time data regarding the tremors' effects across different districts. The authorities remain on standby to respond to any new reports of damage or seismic activity identified by the public.
