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The local leader of Black River – a community referred to as “ground zero” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the immense storm surges and extensive destruction wrought by the disaster.

Reflecting on the traumatic experience, the mayor described riding out the Category 5 hurricane at an emergency operating centre.

“The entire town of this area is devastated,” he said. “And that devastation is so severe that the national leader designated this area as ground zero.”

Several people from Black River are confirmed dead, but the mayor mentioned receiving word of other deaths that are still being verified due to connectivity and travel difficulties.

“The hurricane arrived around eight in the morning and continued for around nine hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” he explained.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the emergency operating centre. It was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase 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 the town, located in the severely affected south-western region of the area, is without running water and electricity, and most buildings have lost their roofs. An authority previously described the town as flooded, with over 500,000 residents lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the main roads of a nearby area, where streets have been turned to mud pits. Residents are now sweeping water from their houses and attempting to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have proven extremely difficult because all the town’s transport and essential facilities such as fire, police, medical centers and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” says the mayor.

The mayor is now focused on working to help the neediest residents, while also dealing with the personal impact of the devastation.

“The mayor's car was totally covered by water. My roof was lost, so I do understand the pain that persons are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this time,” he explains.

Solomon believes that it will take billions of local currency to rebuild Black River after Melissa’s destruction. For now, he states, the main goal 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 will be unable to offer goods to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he says.

The prime minister has witnessed the damage first-hand, with an aerial tour of the region revealing the vast majority of roofs in the area had been destroyed.

“It is going to be a enormous task to restore this historic town. But while it is destroyed, we can vision a tomorrow of it emerging stronger and improved,” he told local media.

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