The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has launched an investigation into tremors reported in several parts of Freetown on Tuesday afternoon, following reports of significant earthquake activity along the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The tremors were reportedly experienced at approximately 12:30 p.m., prompting the NDMA to engage the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists (SLIG) to examine the incident and determine its possible cause.
According to the NDMA, preliminary findings from international seismic monitoring sources recorded an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.7 at 5:44 a.m. GMT, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the event, while the US National Tsunami Warning Center subsequently reported another earthquake measuring magnitude 6.8 at approximately 12:23 p.m. GMT.
The agency noted that the timing of the second earthquake closely coincided with the period when reports of tremors began emerging from Freetown. However, it stressed that further scientific verification was needed to establish whether the offshore seismic activity was responsible for the shaking experienced in the capital.
To facilitate a comprehensive investigation, 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 recommend appropriate precautionary measures.
As part of the initial assessment, a joint team comprising 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 or significant property destruction at the locations visited.
The NDMA also acknowledged reports that residents in other parts of Freetown experienced tremors in their homes. However, it clarified that its initial assessment was limited to locations from which official reports had been received.
The Technical Working-LD Group is expected to continue consultations with national and international experts and geological institutions to establish the scientific cause of the incident and determine whether it was connected to the reported offshore earthquakes.
Meanwhile, the NDMA has urged members of the public to remain calm, rely on verified information from official sources and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports or rumours.
The agency has also encouraged residents to report any observed damage, structural concerns or further tremors through its toll-free emergency line, 1199, which is accessible across all mobile networks.
The NDMA said it would continue to provide updates as verified findings and recommendations from the Technical Working Group become available.
