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This local leader of the town of Black River – an area described as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has detailed the monstrous flooding and extensive destruction wrought by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the traumatic ordeal, the mayor described enduring the intense storm at an emergency response center.

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

Five individuals from the town are reported dead, but Solomon noted hearing reports of other deaths that are still being verified due to connectivity and transportation difficulties.

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

“We experienced up to 16ft of water at the response center. It was a bit scary for us, and we were praying 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 scary experience for us.”

Solomon explained that Black River, situated in the hard-hit southwest parish of St Elizabeth, is without water and power, and the majority of buildings have had their roofs. One official earlier described the town as flooded, with more than 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 sweeping water from their homes and attempting to salvage their belongings.

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 “immensely damaged,” notes the mayor.

He is now focused on working to assist the neediest residents, while also coping with the individual toll of the devastation.

“My vehicle was totally submerged by water. The roofing went, so I fully grasp the suffering that persons are feeling, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this time,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild the community after Melissa’s annihilation. At present, he states, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“We are now trying to clear the major thoroughfares and secondary routes here so that we can deliver aid in. The majority 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 says.

The prime minister has witnessed the damage personally, with an flyover of the region showing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been lost.

“This will be a enormous undertaking to restore this historic town. But although it is damaged, we can envision a future of it emerging more resilient and better,” he told local media.

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