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The local leader of the town of Black River – a community referred to as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has shared the immense flooding and widespread destruction wrought by the disaster.

Speaking on the traumatic ordeal, the mayor recalled riding out the intense storm at an emergency operating centre.

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

Several people from Black River are confirmed dead, but the mayor mentioned receiving word of additional fatalities that are still being verified due to communication and transportation difficulties.

“Storm Melissa arrived around 8 a.m. and continued for around several hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” he added.

“We experienced up to 16ft of flooding at the emergency operating centre. It was a frightening moment for us, and we were praying that it would not increase any more, because we were on the second floor, and frankly, when we saw the water climbing, it was a terrifying moment for us.”

The mayor explained that the town, located in the severely affected southwest parish of the area, is lacking water and electricity, and the majority of buildings have lost their roofs. One official previously described the town as under water, with over half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the main roads of a nearby area, where roadways have been turned to muddy tracks. Locals are now sweeping water from their houses and attempting to rescue their possessions.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have become almost impossible because all the town’s transport and essential facilities such as firefighting, police, medical centers and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” notes Solomon.

The mayor is now focused on working to assist the most vulnerable, while also coping with the individual toll of the disaster.

“My vehicle was completely submerged by water. My roof was lost, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are experiencing, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this time,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild Black River after Melissa’s destruction. At present, he states, the main goal is removing debris from blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to clear 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 provide supplies to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he adds.

The prime minister has witnessed the damage personally, with an flyover of the area showing 80 to 90% of roofs in the area had been lost.

“It is going to be a enormous task to restore Black River. But while it is destroyed, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and improved,” he informed local media.

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