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This mayor of Black River – an area described as “the epicenter” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the monstrous storm surges and extensive devastation wrought by the disaster.

Reflecting on the harrowing experience, the mayor recalled riding out the Category 5 hurricane at an emergency response center.

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

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

“The hurricane came around 8 a.m. and continued for around several hours, during which we were pounded with heavy winds and torrential rainfall,” he added.

“We got up to 16ft of flooding at the emergency operating centre. That 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.”

Solomon stated that the town, situated in the severely affected south-western region of the area, is lacking water and electricity, and the majority of structures have lost their roofing. An authority earlier characterized the town as under water, with more than half a million inhabitants without power. A mudslide has obstructed the main roads of Santa Cruz, where streets have been turned to mud pits. Locals are now removing water from their homes and trying to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have proven almost impossible because every one of the town’s vehicles and critical services such as firefighting, law enforcement, medical centers and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” notes Solomon.

He is now focused on working to assist the neediest residents, while also dealing with the personal impact of the devastation.

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

The mayor estimates that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to restore Black River after the hurricane's annihilation. At present, he states, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to get the major thoroughfares and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver relief supplies in. The majority of our stores, if not all, were severely affected so they won’t be able to offer goods to persons who are in need at this time,” he says.

The prime minister has seen the damage first-hand, with an aerial tour of the region showing 80 to 90% of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“This will be a enormous task to rebuild this historic town. But while it is destroyed, we can envision a future of it emerging stronger and better,” he informed reporters.

“We will get it done. So maintain the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will reconstruct stronger,” he said.