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The local leader of the town of Black River – an area described as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has detailed the immense storm surges and widespread destruction wrought by the disaster.

Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Richard Solomon recalled riding out the intense storm at an emergency response center.

“Our community of this area is devastated,” he stated. “And that devastation is so severe that the prime minister classified this area as ground zero.”

Several people from Black River are reported to have died, but Solomon mentioned hearing reports of other fatalities that are still being verified due to communication and transportation difficulties.

“Storm Melissa came around 8 a.m. and lasted for around nine hours, during which we were battered with heavy winds and a lot of rain,” he explained.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the emergency operating centre. It was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any further, because we were on the second floor, and frankly, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying experience for us.”

Solomon stated that the town, situated in the hard-hit south-western region of the area, is without running water and electricity, and the majority of buildings have lost their roofs. One official earlier described the town as flooded, with more than half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has blocked the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been turned to mud pits. Residents are now sweeping water from their houses and attempting to rescue their belongings.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have become extremely difficult because every one of the town’s vehicles and essential facilities such as fire, law enforcement, medical centers and supermarkets were “immensely damaged,” says Solomon.

He is now focused on trying to help the neediest residents, while also dealing with the individual toll of the disaster.

“My vehicle was completely submerged by water. My roof was lost, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are feeling, but what is a priority for me now is to focus on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this time,” he explains.

The mayor believes that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild Black River after the hurricane's destruction. 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 major thoroughfares and critical lateral roads here so that we can get aid in. Most of our stores, if not all, were severely affected so they will be unable to provide supplies to individuals who are in dire straits at this moment,” he says.

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

“It is going to be a enormous undertaking to restore Black River. But while it is destroyed, we can vision a tomorrow of it emerging more resilient and better,” he informed local media.

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