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The local leader of Black River – a community described as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has detailed the monstrous storm surges and widespread devastation caused by the disaster.

Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Richard Solomon described enduring the intense storm at an emergency response center.

“The entire town of Black River is in ruins,” he stated. “And that devastation is so catastrophic that the national leader designated this area as ground zero.”

Several people from the town are reported dead, but the mayor noted hearing reports of other fatalities that are still being verified due to connectivity and travel challenges.

“The hurricane arrived around 8 a.m. and lasted for around several hours, during which we were pounded with heavy winds and a lot of rain,” he added.

“We got up to 16ft of water at the emergency operating centre. That was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any more, because we were on the second floor, and I tell you, when we saw the water climbing, it was a terrifying experience for us.”

Solomon explained that Black River, situated in the hard-hit south-western parish of the area, is without water and power, and most buildings have lost their roofs. An authority previously described the town as under water, with more than half a million residents without power. A landslide has obstructed the main roads of Santa Cruz, where streets have been reduced to mud pits. Residents are now sweeping water from their homes and trying to rescue their belongings.

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

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

“My vehicle was totally covered by water. My roof went, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are experiencing, 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 believes that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to restore Black River after Melissa’s destruction. At present, he states, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“We are now trying to get the main roads and secondary routes here so that we can get relief supplies 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 need at this time,” he says.

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

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

“We will get it done. So maintain the positive outlook, keep hope alive, and we will get through this, and we will reconstruct stronger,” he said.