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The local leader of the town of Black River – an area referred to as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has shared the monstrous storm surges and extensive destruction wrought by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the harrowing ordeal, the mayor described riding out the intense hurricane at an emergency response center.

“Our community of Black River is in ruins,” he said. “And that devastation is so severe that the prime minister designated this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Five individuals from Black River are reported dead, but the mayor noted receiving word of additional fatalities that remain unconfirmed due to communication and transportation challenges.

“The hurricane came around 8 a.m. and continued for around several hours, during which we were battered with heavy winds and a lot of rain,” he added.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of flooding at the response center. That was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any more, because we were on the upper level, and frankly, when we saw the water climbing, it was a scary moment for us.”

Solomon stated that the town, situated in the hard-hit southwest region of St Elizabeth, is without running water and electricity, and most buildings have had their roofs. One official earlier described the town as under water, with over half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has blocked the primary routes of a nearby area, where streets have been turned to mud pits. Locals are now sweeping water from their homes and trying to salvage their possessions.

Search and rescue operations and damage assessments have become extremely difficult because all the town’s transport and essential facilities such as firefighting, law enforcement, hospitals and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” says the mayor.

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

“My vehicle was completely submerged by water. The roofing went, so I fully grasp the suffering that people are feeling, but what is a key focus for me now is to focus on securing assistance for the most at-risk at this point,” he explains.

Solomon believes that it will take millions of local currency to restore Black River after Melissa’s destruction. At present, he states, the priority is clearing impassable roads, which have cut off the town.

“Efforts are underway to get the major thoroughfares and critical lateral roads here so that we can get aid in. Most of our stores, if not all, were impacted negatively so they won’t be able to provide supplies to persons who are in need at this moment,” he says.

The prime minister has witnessed the damage personally, with an flyover of the region revealing 80 to 90% of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“It is going to be a massive task to rebuild this historic town. But although it is destroyed, we can envision a tomorrow of it emerging more resilient and better,” he told reporters.

“We will get it done. So maintain the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he said.