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This mayor of Black River – a community described as “ground zero” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the immense storm surges and widespread destruction wrought by the catastrophe.

Reflecting on the harrowing ordeal, the mayor described enduring the intense storm at an emergency operating centre.

“The entire town of Black River is devastated,” he stated. “And that devastation is so catastrophic that the prime minister designated this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Five individuals from the town are reported to have died, but the mayor noted hearing reports of additional deaths that are still being verified due to connectivity and transportation challenges.

“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and continued for around nine hours, during which we were battered with heavy winds and torrential rainfall,” he added.

“We got up to 16ft of water at the emergency operating centre. It was a bit scary for us, and we were praying that it would not increase any further, because we were on the upper level, and I tell you, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying experience for us.”

Solomon explained that the town, located in the severely affected south-western region of the area, is without water and power, and the majority of structures have had their roofs. One official previously characterized the town as under water, with over 500,000 residents without power. A landslide has blocked the main roads of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been turned to muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their houses and attempting to rescue their belongings.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have proven almost impossible because every one of the town’s vehicles and essential facilities such as firefighting, law enforcement, hospitals and supermarkets were “immensely damaged,” notes the mayor.

The mayor is now focused on trying to help the neediest residents, while also coping with the individual toll of the devastation.

“The mayor's car was totally submerged by water. The roofing went, so I fully grasp the pain that people are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to focus on securing assistance for the most vulnerable at this point,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild the community after Melissa’s annihilation. At present, he says, the priority is removing debris from impassable roads, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to clear 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 offer goods to individuals who are in need at this time,” he adds.

The prime minister has seen the damage first-hand, with an aerial tour of the area revealing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“It is going to be a massive undertaking to restore Black River. But although it is damaged, we can envision a future of it rising stronger and better,” he informed reporters.

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