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This mayor of the town of Black River – a community referred to as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has detailed the immense storm surges and extensive destruction caused by the catastrophe.

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

“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 additional deaths that are still being verified due to communication and transportation difficulties.

“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and lasted for around several hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” 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 rise any further, because we were on the second floor, and I tell you, when we saw the water rising, it was a scary moment for us.”

Solomon explained that Black River, located in the hard-hit south-western parish of the area, is lacking water and electricity, and most structures have had their roofs. One official earlier described the town as under water, with over half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the main roads of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been turned to mud pits. Residents are now removing water from their houses and trying to rescue their possessions.

Search and rescue operations and damage assessments have become almost impossible because every one of the town’s vehicles and essential facilities such as fire, law enforcement, medical centers and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” notes Solomon.

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

“My vehicle was completely covered by water. The roofing went, so I fully grasp the suffering that persons are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to focus on getting assistance for the most at-risk at this point,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to restore the community after the hurricane's destruction. At present, he says, the main goal is clearing impassable roads, which have cut off the town.

“We are now trying to get the major thoroughfares and secondary routes here so that we can deliver relief supplies 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 says.

National leadership has seen the damage personally, with an aerial tour of the region revealing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been lost.

“This will be a enormous task to rebuild this historic town. But although it is damaged, we can vision a tomorrow of it emerging stronger and improved,” he told reporters.

“We will get it done. So maintain the positive outlook, remain hopeful, and we will get through this, and we will rebuild better,” he affirmed.