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The mayor of Black River – a community referred to as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has shared the monstrous flooding and extensive destruction caused by the catastrophe.

Reflecting on the harrowing ordeal, the mayor described riding out the Category 5 storm at an emergency response center.

“Our community of this area is devastated,” he stated. “And that devastation is so catastrophic that the prime minister classified this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Five individuals from the town are confirmed dead, but the mayor noted hearing reports of other fatalities that remain unconfirmed due to connectivity and travel difficulties.

“Storm Melissa arrived around 8 a.m. and lasted for around several hours, during which we were battered with heavy winds and torrential rainfall,” he explained.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the response center. That was a frightening moment for us, and we were praying that it would not increase any further, because we were on the upper level, and frankly, when we saw the water rising, it was a scary experience for us.”

Solomon explained that Black River, situated in the hard-hit south-western region of St Elizabeth, is lacking water and power, and the majority of buildings have had their roofs. One official earlier characterized the town as under water, with more than 500,000 inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has obstructed the main roads of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been turned to muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their houses and trying to rescue their possessions.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have become almost impossible because every one of the town’s transport and essential facilities such as firefighting, police, hospitals and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” says Solomon.

He is now focused on working to help the most vulnerable, while also dealing with the personal impact of the disaster.

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

Solomon believes that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild the community after the hurricane's annihilation. At present, he says, the priority is clearing blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“We are now trying to get the major thoroughfares and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver aid in. The majority of our stores, if not all, were severely affected so they won’t be able to provide supplies to individuals who are in dire straits at this time,” he adds.

National leadership has seen the damage first-hand, with an aerial tour of the area showing 80 to 90% of roofs in the area had been lost.

“It is going to be a massive undertaking to restore Black River. But although it is damaged, we can vision a tomorrow of it emerging more resilient and improved,” he informed local media.

“It will be accomplished. So maintain the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he said.