National

DRM Authority Hosts Three Day National Disaster Readiness Program

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – DRM is preparing for the hurricane season and has engaged the community through a three-day training exercise.

Published

6 months ago

June 20, 2025

Delvardo Emmanuel

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially gets underway, the Disaster Risk Management Agency is putting preparation to the test.

This week, the agency hosted a three-day simulation to assess national response readiness in the event of a major storm striking the country.

Leading the coordination effort is Cleon Nixon, Manager of Disaster Operations at DRM, who says the drill involved key emergency agencies.

The tabletop exercise centered around a simulated Category Four hurricane, with winds nearing 140 miles per hour and severe storm surge threatening the islands.

With New Providence taking a direct hit in the scenario, officials were tasked with figuring out how to respond locally and support Family Islands at the same time.

The drill uncovered a number of weaknesses, including communication breakdowns and a bigger concern, the Emergency Operations Center itself sitting in a flood zone.

DRM Managing Director Aaron Sargent says this is the first time the exercise has been done on a national level.

The drill was spearheaded by U.S. Northern Command.

Also on hand, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for DRM, Leon Lundy.