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This local leader of Black River – a community referred to as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has detailed the monstrous flooding and extensive devastation wrought by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the traumatic ordeal, the mayor described riding out the Category 5 hurricane at an emergency response center.

“The entire town of this area is in ruins,” he stated. “And that devastation is so catastrophic that the prime minister classified this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Several people from Black River are confirmed dead, but the mayor noted hearing reports of additional deaths that are still being verified due to connectivity and transportation challenges.

“Storm Melissa arrived around 8 a.m. and continued for around nine hours, during which we were battered with strong gusts and torrential rainfall,” he added.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the emergency operating centre. That was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase any further, because we were on the upper level, and frankly, when we saw the water climbing, it was a scary experience for us.”

Solomon stated that the town, situated in the severely affected south-western parish of the area, is without running water and electricity, and most buildings have had their roofs. An authority previously described the town as under water, with over half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has obstructed the main roads of a nearby area, where streets have been reduced to muddy tracks. Locals are now removing water from their houses and trying to rescue their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have become almost impossible because all the town’s transport and essential facilities such as firefighting, law enforcement, medical centers and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” notes the mayor.

The mayor is now focused on trying to assist the most vulnerable, while also dealing with the individual toll of the disaster.

“My vehicle was totally covered by water. My roof was lost, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are feeling, but what is a key focus for me now is to concentrate on getting aid relief for the most at-risk at this point,” he explains.

Solomon estimates that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to restore Black River after Melissa’s annihilation. At present, he states, the priority is removing debris from blocked routes, which have cut off the town.

“We are now trying to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver relief supplies in. The majority of our supermarkets, if not all, were impacted negatively so they will be unable to offer goods to individuals who are in need at this time,” he adds.

The prime minister has witnessed the damage personally, with an aerial tour of the area revealing 80 to 90% of buildings in the area had been lost.

“This will be a enormous task to restore Black River. But while it is destroyed, we can vision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and better,” he told reporters.

“We will get it done. So maintain the optimism, keep hope alive, and we will get through this, and we will rebuild better,” he said.