Freetown residents report earth tremors following offshore earthquakes

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has launched an investigation into earth tremors reported by residents in central Freetown on Tuesday, October 13. Reports of buildings shaking began around 12:30 p.m., prompting the NDMA to form a Technical Working Group with the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists and the Ministry of Works and Public Assets.

Preliminary seismic data indicates two powerful earthquakes occurred along the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge, located more than 1,100 kilometres southwest of Freetown. The US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 6.7 quake at 5:44 a.m. GMT, followed by a second quake measuring between magnitude 6.8 and 6.9 at 12:23 p.m. GMT. Both events were shallow, occurring at a depth of 10km.

While the timing of the second offshore earthquake aligns with the reports in Freetown, authorities are seeking scientific verification to confirm if the offshore activity caused the local shaking. A joint team inspected several locations, including the Africell Head Office and the Youyi Building, finding no major structural damage, property destruction, or fatalities.