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This local leader of Black River – a community described as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has detailed the immense flooding and extensive destruction wrought by the disaster.

Speaking on the traumatic ordeal, Richard Solomon described enduring the intense hurricane at an emergency operating centre.

“Our community of Black River is in ruins,” he stated. “The destruction is so severe that the national leader designated this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Several people from Black River are reported dead, but Solomon noted hearing reports of other deaths that remain unconfirmed due to connectivity and transportation difficulties.

“Storm Melissa arrived around eight in the morning 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 water at the response center. It was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase any further, because we were on the upper level, and I tell you, when we saw the water climbing, it was a scary moment for us.”

The mayor stated that Black River, located in the severely affected south-western region of St Elizabeth, is lacking water and electricity, and the majority of buildings have lost their roofs. An authority previously described the town as flooded, with over 500,000 inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has obstructed the primary routes of a nearby area, where roadways have been reduced to mud pits. Locals are now sweeping water from their homes and attempting to rescue their possessions.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have become almost impossible because every one of the town’s vehicles and critical services such as firefighting, police, medical centers and supermarkets were “immensely damaged,” says Solomon.

The mayor is now focused on working to help the neediest residents, while also coping with the personal impact of the devastation.

“My vehicle was totally covered by water. The roofing went, so I do understand the pain that people are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to concentrate on getting aid relief for the most at-risk at this time,” he explains.

The mayor believes that it will take millions of local currency to rebuild Black River after the hurricane's annihilation. At present, he says, the priority is clearing blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver relief supplies in. The majority of our supermarkets, if not all, were severely affected so they won’t be able 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 region showing 80 to 90% of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“This will be a massive undertaking to restore Black River. But although it is destroyed, we can envision a future of it emerging more resilient and improved,” he informed local media.

“It will be accomplished. So keep the positive outlook, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he affirmed.