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This mayor of Black River – an area described as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has detailed the immense storm surges and widespread devastation wrought by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the harrowing ordeal, the mayor described enduring the Category 5 storm at an emergency response center.

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

Five individuals from Black River are reported dead, but the mayor noted hearing reports of additional fatalities that are still being verified due to communication and travel difficulties.

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

“We got up to 16ft of water at the response center. That was a bit scary 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 rising, it was a scary moment for us.”

The mayor explained that Black River, situated in the severely affected southwest region of St Elizabeth, is without running water and power, and the majority of structures have lost their roofs. One official earlier characterized the town as under water, with over 500,000 inhabitants lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the main roads of a nearby area, where roadways have been reduced to mud pits. Locals are now sweeping water from their homes and trying to salvage their possessions.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have become extremely difficult because every one of the town’s transport and critical services such as fire, police, medical centers and grocery stores were “immensely damaged,” notes Solomon.

The mayor is now concentrating on trying to help the neediest residents, while also coping with the individual toll of the devastation.

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

Solomon believes that it will take millions of local currency to restore the community after the hurricane's annihilation. For now, he states, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have cut off the town.

“We are now trying to get the major thoroughfares 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 won’t be able to offer goods to persons who are in dire straits at this time,” he adds.

National leadership has witnessed the damage first-hand, with an aerial tour of the area revealing the vast majority of roofs in the area had been destroyed.

“It is going to be a enormous undertaking to restore this historic town. But although it is damaged, we can vision a future of it emerging more resilient and better,” he told local media.

“We will get it done. So keep the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will get through this, and we will reconstruct stronger,” he affirmed.