By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
FREETOWN — The Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists (SLIG) has called for an urgent scientific investigation into reports of earth tremors in parts of Freetown, urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified claims of an impending major earthquake.
In an advisory issued on Wednesday, SLIG said it received reports of shaking from several locations in central Freetown, including the Youyi Building, on Monday, 13th October. The reports coincided with a magnitude 6.9 earthquake recorded along the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge at about 12:23 UTC.
However, the institution said available information does not establish a direct link between the offshore quake and the tremors reported in Freetown, stressing that further scientific assessment is needed to determine the cause, extent and impact of the shaking.
SLIG cautioned against speculation that a major earthquake is imminent, noting that current scientific methods cannot precisely predict the exact time, location and magnitude of an earthquake.
To establish what occurred, the institution called for collaboration among government agencies, emergency responders, research institutions and other stakeholders. It recommended a review of international seismic records, monitoring data and eyewitness accounts from affected areas.
SLIG also emphasised the need to strengthen earthquake monitoring systems, improve geological hazard assessments, raise public awareness on seismic risks and integrate earthquake hazards into infrastructure planning.
The institution appealed to residents who felt the tremors to report details of the approximate time, duration, location and any observed effects to help experts assess the incident.
While noting that available information provides no scientific basis to declare that a major earthquake is imminent near Sierra Leone, SLIG stressed the importance of continued investigation, credible public communication and preparedness to reduce seismic risks.
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