Enviro News Asia, Nassau — Prime Minister the Hon. Philip E. Davis, K.C., has assured the nation that the Government of The Bahamas has taken all necessary measures to ensure an organized, well-resourced, and effective response to the potential impacts of Hurricane Melissa. Addressing the public on Monday evening, October 27, 2025, the Prime Minister emphasized that the safety of Bahamians remains his administration’s top priority.
Hurricane Melissa intensified into a powerful Category 5 system on Monday, with maximum sustained winds of 175 miles per hour and higher gusts. Meteorological reports indicated that while Melissa is expected to weaken after passing over Jamaica and southeastern Cuba, it will retain hurricane strength as it moves across the southeast Bahamas.
According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, islands in the Central and Southeast Bahamas — including Exuma and its Cays, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Long Island, San Salvador, Cat Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Mayaguana, and Inagua — are expected to experience tropical storm to hurricane conditions beginning Tuesday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 29. A Hurricane Warning has been issued for these areas, signifying that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Prime Minister Davis confirmed that all government systems are now operating under the National Disaster Response Framework (NDRF). The Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA) is coordinating closely with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Family Island Administrators, Public Hospitals Authority, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Social Services, and Bahamas Power and Light to ensure a unified national response.
Pre-positioned relief supplies have been deployed to the Southeast and Central Bahamas. Air and maritime assets have been mobilized to support transportation and evacuation efforts, and shelters across the affected islands have been fully inspected, staffed, and activated.
“Preparedness at the community and household level remains critical,” the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister Davis urged residents of the Southeast Bahamas to comply with Evacuation Orders issued early Monday.
“Do not wait until conditions worsen. Once the storm begins to impact your area, movement will be restricted and emergency operations will become more difficult,” he cautioned.
By Monday afternoon, nearly 240 residents from Inagua and Acklins were safely airlifted to New Providence. Additional flights were scheduled for Tuesday to continue evacuation efforts. The first group of 138 evacuees from Inagua arrived in New Providence at approximately 4:30 p.m., followed by 100 evacuees from Acklins, including elderly and medically vulnerable individuals who were given priority.
Evacuees were received by Social Services officials and volunteers at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium before being accommodated in seven designated shelters, including Nassau Village Community Centre, New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Remnant Tabernacle Church of God, Epworth Hall (serving as the country’s special needs shelter), Breezes Hotel, New Providence Community Centre, and Fox Hill Community Centre.
During a press conference at DRMA Headquarters, Prime Minister Davis urged residents in the Central Bahamas to continue monitoring official updates and preparing for possible impacts.
“This is the time to secure property, protect essential documents, and ensure family safety plans are in place,” he said. “Please rely only on official updates from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, the DRMA, and the Office of the Prime Minister. Unverified reports create confusion and put lives at risk.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a “serious, coordinated response” to the storm and extended solidarity to regional neighbors impacted by Hurricane Melissa, including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti.
“We are coordinating with CARICOM partners and stand ready to assist if called upon,” he stated.
He also commended local authorities, emergency personnel, and the National Youth Guard for their professionalism and dedication in protecting lives and property.
“Their professionalism reflects the discipline and readiness we expect of national service,” Prime Minister Davis concluded. (*)
