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The mayor of Black River – an area described as “the epicenter” for Hurricane Melissa – has shared the monstrous flooding and widespread destruction wrought by the catastrophe.

Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Richard Solomon recalled enduring the Category 5 hurricane at an emergency operating centre.

“Our community of Black River is devastated,” he stated. “And that devastation is so catastrophic that the prime minister designated this area as ground zero.”

Several people from Black River are reported dead, but the mayor noted hearing reports of other fatalities that remain unconfirmed due to communication and transportation challenges.

“The hurricane arrived 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 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 rise any more, because we were on the second floor, and I tell you, when we saw the water rising, it was a scary experience for us.”

The mayor explained that the town, located in the severely affected southwest parish of the area, is lacking water and power, and the majority of buildings have had their roofing. An authority earlier characterized the town as under water, with more than half a million residents lacking electricity. A landslide has blocked the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been reduced to muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their houses and attempting to rescue their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have become extremely difficult because every one of the town’s transport and critical services such as fire, law enforcement, hospitals and supermarkets were “immensely damaged,” notes the mayor.

He is now concentrating on trying to help the most vulnerable, while also coping with the personal impact of the disaster.

“The mayor's car was totally covered by water. My roof went, so I fully grasp the suffering that persons are experiencing, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this time,” he explains.

The mayor estimates that it will take millions of local currency to rebuild Black River after Melissa’s destruction. At present, he states, the main goal 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 get relief supplies in. Most of our stores, if not all, were impacted negatively so they won’t be able to offer goods to persons who are in need at this moment,” he says.

The prime minister has witnessed the damage personally, with an aerial tour of the area revealing the vast majority of roofs in the area had been lost.

“This will be a massive task to restore Black River. But although it is damaged, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and improved,” he informed local media.

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