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This local leader of the town of Black River – an area described as “ground zero” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the immense flooding and widespread devastation caused by the disaster.

Speaking on the traumatic experience, Richard Solomon recalled enduring the intense storm at an emergency response center.

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

Five individuals from the town are reported dead, but Solomon noted hearing reports of additional deaths that remain unconfirmed due to communication and travel difficulties.

“The hurricane arrived around eight in the morning and lasted for around nine hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and torrential rainfall,” he explained.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the emergency operating centre. That was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase any more, because we were on the second floor, and I tell you, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying moment for us.”

Solomon stated that Black River, located in the severely affected south-western parish of the area, is lacking running water and electricity, and the majority of buildings have had their roofs. An authority previously described the town as under water, with more than 500,000 residents lacking electricity. A mudslide has obstructed the primary routes of a nearby area, where streets have been reduced to muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their houses and trying to rescue their possessions.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have become extremely difficult because every one of the town’s vehicles and critical services such as firefighting, law enforcement, hospitals and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” says Solomon.

The mayor is now focused on trying to assist the neediest residents, while also dealing with the individual toll of the disaster.

“My vehicle was completely covered by water. My roof was lost, so I fully grasp the pain that people are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most at-risk at this time,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to restore the community after the hurricane's destruction. At present, he states, the priority is clearing impassable roads, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to clear the major thoroughfares and secondary routes here so that we can get relief supplies in. Most of our supermarkets, if not all, were impacted negatively so they won’t be able to provide supplies to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he says.

The prime minister has witnessed the devastation personally, with an aerial tour of the area revealing 80 to 90% of roofs in the area had been lost.

“This will be a enormous task to restore this historic town. But while it is damaged, we can envision a future of it emerging more resilient and better,” he told local media.

“We will get it done. So maintain the optimism, keep hope alive, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he said.