13 October 2026 | Meraki Analytics (SL) Limited
Residents in parts of Freetown, including areas around Youyi Building, Waterloo Street and Wellington Street, reported light shaking following an offshore earthquake around midday.
But what exactly happened?
Public data examined by Meraki Analytics indicate that there were two offshore earthquake events on 13 October 2026. According to USGS-linked records reported through the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), the first occurred at approximately 5:44 a.m., with a reported magnitude of 6.7, while the second occurred around 12:23 p.m., with a reported magnitude of 6.9. Both were located along the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge, approximately 1,180–1,200 kilometres southwest of Freetown.
Understanding What Happened
An earthquake occurs when stored energy within the Earth’s crust is suddenly released, producing seismic waves that travel through the Earth.
The Earth’s outer shell consists of tectonic plates that move slowly over time. When rocks become locked by friction while pressure builds, they can eventually slip, releasing energy and generating an earthquake.
Importantly, magnitude is not the same as how strongly people feel an earthquake. The level of shaking experienced at a particular location also depends on factors such as the earthquake’s distance, depth and local ground conditions.
Why did people in Freetown feel it?
Although Sierra Leone is located away from the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the two earthquakes were large offshore events relatively far from Freetown.
The Meraki Analytics assessment places both events roughly 1,180–1,200 km southwest of Freetown. Sierra Leone itself sits on the African tectonic plate, away from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The fact that an earthquake occurs offshore does not automatically mean that severe impacts will occur on land. The actual effects depend on several geological and physical factors.
Does This Mean a Volcanic Eruption Is Coming?
Not necessarily.
Earthquakes and volcanic activity can sometimes be related, but one does not automatically signal the other.
Earthquakes may occur because of tectonic plate movement, while movement of magma underground can also generate earthquakes. In some circumstances, an earthquake can contribute to triggering a volcano that is already close to erupting. However, the earthquake records from 13 October do not establish an imminent volcanic eruption or a connection to Fogo or Brava.
The Meraki regional assessment identifies Fogo and Brava in Cabo Verde among the nearest active or potentially active volcanoes, at roughly 1,400 km northwest of Freetown. It also notes that these volcanoes have no established connection to today’s tremors.
What About a Tsunami?
An offshore earthquake can generate a tsunami, but many offshore earthquakes do not.
Tsunami generation depends on whether an earthquake causes a sufficiently large and sudden displacement of seawater. Therefore, the occurrence of an offshore earthquake alone does not mean that a tsunami is imminent.
For coastal communities, however, awareness remains important.
Strong or prolonged shaking, sudden unusual movement of the sea, or a loud ocean roar can be natural warning signs. If these occur, people should move inland or to higher ground once it is safe to do so rather than waiting for a message.
What Risks Should Sierra Leoneans Understand?
The initial GDACS assessment classified both events as likely to have low humanitarian impact. However, this is an initial model assessment and should not be interpreted as confirmation that every building or location is safe.
There are two important risks to understand:
1. Ground shaking
Earthquake shaking can damage weak or vulnerable structures and cause objects or debris to fall.
2. Tsunami risk
An offshore earthquake can generate a tsunami if it suddenly displaces enough seawater. However, many offshore earthquakes do not produce tsunamis.
What Should Citizens Do During an Earthquake?
During shaking
Drop, cover your head and neck, and hold on.
- If you are indoors, stay inside.
- Keep away from windows and objects that could fall.
- If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, walls and overhead wires.
After the shaking
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Stay away from damaged structures.
- Watch for additional hazards.
- Report hazards where appropriate.
- Follow guidance from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and other official authorities.
Stay prepared
- Secure heavy objects that could fall.
- Keep basic emergency supplies available.
- Share information from verified sources.
- Be cautious of claims that attempt to predict the exact time or location of future earthquakes, since reliable earthquake prediction is not currently possible.
Understanding the Facts Matters
Events such as today’s tremors can create understandable concern and uncertainty.
But a magnitude number or a tremor report alone does not tell the whole story. Location, depth, geological setting, distance from populated areas and verified risk assessments all matter when interpreting an earthquake event.
The Meraki Analytics regional assessment also highlights that earthquakes can occur within tectonic plates. For example, earthquake records from Guinea shown in the explainer were considerably closer to Freetown—approximately 215–250 km away—than today’s offshore events.
This is why reliable public information and scientific context are essential, particularly during events that generate public concern.
Explore the Full Meraki Analytics Explainer
Our accompanying two-page Public Explainer provides a visual breakdown of:
- The two earthquakes recorded on 13 October 2026
- Their approximate locations and distances from Freetown
- Sierra Leone’s regional geological setting
- Nearby earthquake records
- Fogo, Brava and Mount Cameroon
- Ground-shaking and tsunami considerations
- Practical earthquake and coastal safety guidance
