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This mayor of the town of Black River – an area referred to as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has shared the monstrous flooding and widespread devastation caused by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the traumatic experience, the mayor recalled enduring the Category 5 storm at an emergency response center.

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

Five individuals from Black River are reported to have died, but Solomon noted hearing reports of additional fatalities that remain unconfirmed due to communication and transportation challenges.

“The hurricane came around 8 a.m. and lasted for around nine hours, during which we were battered with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” he added.

“We got up to 16ft of flooding at the response center. That was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any more, because we were on the second floor, and I tell you, when we saw the water climbing, it was a scary moment for us.”

Solomon explained that Black River, located in the severely affected south-western parish of the area, is lacking running water and electricity, and the majority of buildings have lost their roofing. An authority previously characterized the town as under water, with more than 500,000 residents lacking electricity. A mudslide has obstructed the main roads of Santa Cruz, where streets have been turned to mud pits. Locals are now removing water from their houses and attempting to salvage their belongings.

Search and rescue operations and damage assessments have become almost impossible because every one of the town’s vehicles and essential facilities such as fire, law enforcement, medical centers and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” notes the mayor.

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

“My vehicle was completely covered by water. My roof went, so I do understand the suffering that people are feeling, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most at-risk at this point,” he says.

The mayor estimates that it will take billions of local currency to rebuild Black River after Melissa’s destruction. At present, he states, the priority is clearing 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 aid in. Most of our supermarkets, if not all, were impacted negatively so they will be unable to provide supplies to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he adds.

The prime minister has witnessed the devastation first-hand, with an aerial tour of the area showing 80 to 90% of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“This will be a enormous task to rebuild this historic town. But while it is damaged, we can envision a future of it rising stronger and improved,” he informed local media.

“We will get it done. So maintain the positive outlook, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he said.