Government Issues Evacuation Orders Under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA)

The Government of Jamaica, following advice from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and in accordance with powers under Section 26(2)(c) of the Disaster Risk Management Act, has issued the Disaster Risk Management (Hurricane Melissa) Evacuation Order, 2025.

Evacuation Orders have therefore been issued for the following high-risk areas:

1.Port Royal, Kingston
2.Portland Cottage, Clarendon
3.Rocky Point, Clarendon
4.Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine
5.Taylor Land, Bull Bay, St. Andrew
6.New Haven, St. Andrew
7.Riverton City, St. Andrew

All residents in these areas MUST evacuate immediately. Jamaica Urban Transport Company (JUTC) Buses and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force stand prepared to assist with the relocation efforts. This action follows the Disaster Risk Management (Declaration of Threatened Area) (Tropical Storm Melissa) Order, made on October 24, 2025, by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness on Sunday, October 26, which declared the entire island of Jamaica a threatened area.

Melissa is now an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane, capable of catastrophic damage, including structural damage, electrical and communications outages, and devastating flooding. The Evacuation Order remains in force for as long as the Declaration of Threatened Area Order is in effect.

The public is advised that ignoring an Evacuation Order is a criminal offence under the law.