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The mayor of Black River – an area referred to as “ground zero” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the immense storm surges and widespread devastation caused by the catastrophe.

Reflecting on the traumatic ordeal, Richard Solomon recalled enduring the intense hurricane at an emergency operating centre.

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

Several people from Black River are reported dead, but Solomon mentioned receiving word of other fatalities that remain unconfirmed due to communication and transportation challenges.

“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and lasted for around several hours, during which we were pounded with heavy winds and torrential rainfall,” he added.

“We got up to 4.8 metres of water at the emergency operating centre. That was a frightening moment for us, and we were praying that it would not increase any further, because we were on the upper level, and frankly, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying experience for us.”

Solomon explained that Black River, located in the severely affected south-western region of the area, is without water and power, and the majority of structures have had their roofing. One official earlier characterized the town as flooded, with more than half a million inhabitants without power. A mudslide has blocked the main roads of Santa Cruz, where streets have been turned to muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their houses and attempting to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have proven extremely difficult because all the town’s transport and critical services such as fire, police, medical centers and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” notes Solomon.

He is now concentrating on trying to assist the most vulnerable, while also dealing with the individual toll of the devastation.

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

The mayor believes that it will take billions of local currency to restore the community after Melissa’s destruction. At present, he says, the main goal is removing debris from blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“We are now trying to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver 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 dire straits at this time,” he says.

National leadership has seen the devastation personally, with an flyover of the area revealing 80 to 90% of roofs in the area had been lost.

“It is going to be a enormous undertaking to restore this historic town. But while it is damaged, we can envision a tomorrow of it emerging more resilient and improved,” he informed reporters.

“It will be accomplished. So maintain the optimism, keep hope alive, and we will get through this, and we will rebuild better,” he said.