The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) has urged the public to remain calm while it assesses the potential impact of a reported 6.9-magnitude earthquake in the Atlantic Ocean, confirming that no evacuation order has been issued for coastal communities.
In a public update dated October 14, 2026, the agency said the earthquake was recorded at approximately 12:23 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, with its epicentre reportedly more than 1,000 kilometres from Sierra Leone.
SLMet said it was reviewing information from international monitoring centres to determine whether the earthquake posed any potential risk to the country.
The agency clarified that an undersea earthquake does not automatically trigger a tsunami, which involves a series of powerful ocean waves. It explained that the likelihood of a tsunami depends on how the earthquake displaces the seabed, rather than its magnitude alone.
The update followed reports of tremors felt in parts of Sierra Leone on Tuesday.
SLMet advised the public to follow established safety procedures if further shaking occurs. People should drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table where possible, and hold on until the shaking stops. They were also advised to stay away from windows and avoid rushing outdoors while the ground is shaking.
The agency further warned coastal residents to move immediately inland or to higher ground if the sea suddenly recedes or rises unusually, or if they hear a loud roar from the ocean.
It stressed that people should not wait for an official warning before responding to such natural signs of a possible tsunami and should not approach the shoreline to observe unusual sea activity.
SLMet also urged the public to rely on official updates from the agency and relevant government authorities, warning against sharing unverified information. It encouraged people to check the source and date of messages before circulating them.
The agency reiterated that its update did not instruct coastal communities to evacuate, adding that any further safety guidance would be communicated through official channels.
SLMet thanked the public for its cooperation as it continues to assess the available information.
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