National

PM Orders Mandatory Evacuation For Southeast Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis has ordered mandatory evacuations for parts of the southeastern Bahamas as Hurricane Melissa intensifies into a powerful Category 5 storm threatening catastrophic winds and flooding.

Published

1 month ago

October 27, 2025

Joshua Williams

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm, threatening days of catastrophic winds and heavy rain across several island nations in the region.

The southeastern Bahamas, including Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Inagua, Mayaguana, and Ragged Island, is projected to be in the direct path of what forecasters are calling the most powerful storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

Prime Minister Philip Davis issued a mandatory evacuation order this morning for vulnerable communities in those areas, urging residents to take immediate action.

“The government is making available the opportunity for you to save your life. Please take advantage of it,” Davis said during a press conference Monday morning.

The Prime Minister read the official evacuation order following recommendations from the National Disaster Emergency Council and the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA).

“The Prime Minister, being satisfied upon the advice of the National Disaster Emergency Council and on the basis of evidence of the risk of severe flooding and storm surge in the Southeast Bahamas due to Hurricane Melissa, provided by the Disaster Risk Management Authority, has determined that there exists a high probability that failure to act diligently may endanger the health and safety of persons,” Davis said.

Officials say shelters in New Providence will open to assist evacuees who have nowhere to go. Details on travel logistics, emergency contacts, and additional preparedness measures will be released during a DRMA press briefing later this evening.

Forecasters are warning that The Bahamas will begin feeling the storm’s impact late Tuesday into Wednesday, with hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall expected to follow.

Davis also confirmed that dozens of Bahamians currently in Jamaica, including students and former Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield, are being monitored closely as the storm moves through the Caribbean.

“I’ve been in contact with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica earlier to personally extend the support of my government and the Bahamian people, and to join other Caribbean leaders in offering any assistance we can provide,” Davis said.

The Prime Minister also cautioned residents to comply with the evacuation order, noting that law enforcement will enforce compliance if necessary.

“The Defence Force and Police Force are empowered to use reasonable measures to ensure that residents comply with the evacuation order,” Davis warned. “If they don’t comply, all I can say is please, to all residents, obey the evacuation order.”