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This local leader of the town of Black River – a community referred to as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has shared the monstrous storm surges and extensive destruction caused by the disaster.

Speaking on the harrowing experience, the mayor described enduring the intense storm at an emergency operating centre.

“Our community of Black River is devastated,” he said. “The destruction is so catastrophic that the national leader classified this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Several people from the town are confirmed dead, but Solomon mentioned hearing reports of additional deaths that are still being verified due to communication and transportation challenges.

“The hurricane arrived around 8 a.m. and continued for around nine hours, during which we were battered with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” he explained.

“We got up to 4.8 metres of water at the response center. It was a frightening moment for us, and we were praying that it would not rise any more, because we were on the second floor, and I tell you, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying moment for us.”

Solomon stated that Black River, located in the severely affected south-western parish of the area, is without running water and power, and the majority of structures have had their roofs. One official previously characterized the town as under water, with over half a million residents lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been reduced to mud pits. Locals are now sweeping water from their homes and attempting to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have proven almost impossible because all the town’s transport and essential facilities such as firefighting, police, medical centers and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” notes Solomon.

The mayor is now focused on trying to help the most vulnerable, while also coping with the personal impact of the devastation.

“My vehicle was totally submerged by water. The roofing was lost, so I fully grasp the suffering that persons are feeling, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most at-risk at this time,” he explains.

Solomon estimates that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to restore Black River after Melissa’s destruction. At present, he says, the priority is clearing impassable roads, which have isolated the town.

“We are now trying to clear the major thoroughfares and secondary routes here so that we can deliver aid in. Most of our supermarkets, if not all, were impacted negatively so they won’t be able to offer goods to persons who are in need at this time,” he adds.

National leadership has seen the damage first-hand, with an flyover of the area revealing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“This will be a enormous undertaking to restore this historic town. But although it is damaged, we can envision a future of it rising stronger and improved,” he informed local media.

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