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This local leader of Black River – an area referred to as “ground zero” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the monstrous flooding and widespread devastation caused by the catastrophe.

Reflecting on the traumatic ordeal, Richard Solomon described enduring the Category 5 hurricane at an emergency operating centre.

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

Several people from the town are confirmed to have died, but Solomon mentioned receiving word of additional deaths that are still being verified due to communication and travel challenges.

“The hurricane came around eight in the morning and continued for around nine hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” he explained.

“We experienced up to 16ft of water at the emergency operating centre. It was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any more, because we were on the upper level, and frankly, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying moment for us.”

Solomon explained that Black River, situated in the hard-hit south-western parish of St Elizabeth, is without running water and power, and most structures have had their roofing. One official previously characterized the town as flooded, with more than 500,000 inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has obstructed the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been turned to muddy tracks. Locals are now sweeping water from their houses and trying to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have become extremely difficult because all the town’s vehicles and essential facilities such as fire, police, medical centers and supermarkets were “immensely damaged,” notes Solomon.

He is now concentrating on trying to assist the neediest residents, while also dealing with the individual toll of the devastation.

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

The mayor believes that it will take billions of local currency to restore the community after Melissa’s annihilation. At present, he states, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have cut off the town.

“We are now trying to get the main roads 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 persons who are in dire straits at this moment,” he says.

National leadership has seen the devastation personally, with an aerial tour of the region showing 80 to 90% of roofs in the area had been destroyed.

“It is going to be a enormous undertaking to rebuild Black River. But although it is destroyed, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and better,” he told local media.

“It will be accomplished. So keep the optimism, keep hope alive, and we will get through this, and we will rebuild better,” he said.