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

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

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

Several people from the town are confirmed dead, but the mayor mentioned hearing reports of additional deaths that remain unconfirmed due to connectivity and transportation difficulties.

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

“We got up to 16ft of flooding at the emergency operating centre. 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 climbing, it was a terrifying experience for us.”

The mayor explained that Black River, located in the hard-hit south-western region of St Elizabeth, is lacking running water and power, and the majority of buildings have had their roofs. One official previously described the town as under water, with more than half a million residents lacking electricity. A mudslide has blocked the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where streets have been reduced to muddy tracks. Locals are now removing water from their houses and trying to salvage their possessions.

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

He is now focused on working to help the neediest residents, while also dealing with the individual toll of the disaster.

“My vehicle was totally covered by water. The roofing was lost, so I fully grasp the pain that people are experiencing, but what is a priority for me now is to focus on securing aid relief for the most vulnerable at this time,” he says.

The mayor believes that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild the community after the hurricane's destruction. For now, he says, the priority is removing debris from impassable roads, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to clear the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver relief supplies in. Most of our supermarkets, if not all, were impacted negatively so they will be unable to provide supplies to persons who are in need at this time,” he adds.

The prime minister has seen the damage first-hand, with an flyover of the area revealing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been lost.

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

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