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

Speaking on the harrowing experience, the mayor described enduring the intense storm at an emergency response center.

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

Five individuals from Black River are confirmed dead, but Solomon mentioned hearing reports of additional fatalities that remain unconfirmed due to communication and transportation challenges.

“Storm Melissa came around 8 a.m. and continued for around nine hours, during which we were battered with strong gusts and torrential rainfall,” he explained.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the response center. That was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase any further, because we were on the second floor, and I tell you, when we saw the water climbing, it was a scary experience for us.”

The mayor stated that the town, located in the severely affected south-western region of the area, is without water and electricity, and most buildings have lost their roofing. An authority earlier characterized the town as flooded, with over 500,000 inhabitants lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the primary routes of a nearby area, where roadways have been reduced to muddy tracks. Residents are now removing water from their houses and attempting to salvage their possessions.

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

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

“My vehicle was completely submerged by water. The roofing was lost, so I do understand 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 point,” he explains.

Solomon estimates that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild Black River after Melissa’s destruction. At present, he states, the main goal is removing debris from impassable roads, which have cut off the town.

“We are now trying to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can get relief supplies in. Most of our stores, if not all, were impacted negatively so they won’t be able to offer goods to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he says.

National leadership has seen the devastation first-hand, with an flyover of the area revealing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“It is going to be a enormous task to rebuild Black River. But while it is damaged, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and improved,” he told reporters.

“We will get it done. So keep the positive outlook, keep hope alive, and we will get through this, and we will reconstruct stronger,” he said.