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This local leader of the town of Black River – a community referred to as “the epicenter” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the monstrous flooding and widespread devastation caused by the disaster.

Speaking on the traumatic experience, the mayor recalled riding out the intense storm at an emergency response center.

“The entire town of Black River is devastated,” he stated. “The destruction is so severe that the national leader designated this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Several people from the town are confirmed dead, but the mayor mentioned hearing reports of additional deaths that remain unconfirmed due to connectivity and travel challenges.

“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and continued for around several hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and torrential rainfall,” he explained.

“We got up to 16ft of water at the response center. That was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase any more, because we were on the upper level, and I tell you, when we saw the water climbing, it was a terrifying experience for us.”

The mayor explained that Black River, located in the severely affected southwest region of the area, is lacking running water and power, and the majority of buildings have had their roofs. One official previously described the town as flooded, with over half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has obstructed the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where streets have been turned to mud pits. Residents are now sweeping water from their homes and attempting to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have proven extremely difficult because all the town’s transport and critical services such as firefighting, law enforcement, medical centers and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” notes the mayor.

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

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

Solomon estimates that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to restore Black River after the hurricane's annihilation. For now, he states, the priority is removing debris from blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“We are now trying to clear the major thoroughfares and critical lateral roads 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 moment,” he adds.

National leadership has witnessed the devastation personally, with an flyover of the region showing the vast majority of roofs in the area had been lost.

“It is going to be a massive task to rebuild this historic town. But although it is destroyed, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and better,” he informed reporters.

“It will be accomplished. So maintain the optimism, keep hope alive, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will reconstruct stronger,” he affirmed.