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This local leader of the town of Black River – a community referred to as “the epicenter” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the immense storm surges and widespread destruction wrought by the catastrophe.

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

“Our community of this area is devastated,” he stated. “And that devastation is so catastrophic that the prime minister classified this area as ground zero.”

Five individuals from the town are confirmed dead, but the mayor mentioned hearing reports of additional deaths that are still being verified due to communication and travel challenges.

“The hurricane came around eight in the morning and lasted for around nine hours, during which we were battered with heavy winds and a lot of rain,” he added.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the response center. It was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any more, because we were on the upper level, and I tell you, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying moment for us.”

The mayor explained that Black River, located in the severely affected south-western region of the area, is lacking water and electricity, and most structures have lost their roofs. An authority previously characterized the town as under water, with over half a million inhabitants without power. A landslide has blocked the main roads of Santa Cruz, where streets have been reduced to muddy tracks. Locals are now sweeping water from their houses and attempting to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have proven almost impossible 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.

He is now concentrating on working to help the neediest residents, while also coping with the personal impact of the disaster.

“My vehicle was completely covered by water. My roof went, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are experiencing, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on securing aid relief for the most at-risk at this point,” he says.

The mayor estimates that it will take billions of local currency to rebuild Black River after the hurricane's destruction. At present, he states, the priority is removing debris from blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to clear 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 individuals who are in dire straits at this moment,” he adds.

National leadership has witnessed the damage first-hand, with an flyover of the region showing 80 to 90% of buildings in the area had been lost.

“It is going to be a massive undertaking to restore Black River. But although it is damaged, we can vision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and improved,” he told local media.

“It will be accomplished. So keep the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will reconstruct stronger,” he said.