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The local leader of the town of Black River – a community described as “the epicenter” for Hurricane Melissa – has detailed the immense storm surges and extensive destruction caused by the catastrophe.

Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Richard Solomon recalled riding out the Category 5 hurricane at an emergency response center.

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

Five individuals from Black River are reported to have died, but Solomon mentioned receiving word of additional fatalities that are still being verified due to communication and transportation difficulties.

“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and continued for around nine hours, during which we were pounded with heavy winds and a lot of rain,” he added.

“We got up to 16ft of water 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 upper level, and I tell you, when we saw the water rising, it was a scary experience for us.”

The mayor stated that the town, situated in the severely affected south-western region of the area, is lacking running water and electricity, and most buildings have had their roofs. An authority previously described the town as under water, with over 500,000 residents without power. A mudslide 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 damage assessments have proven extremely difficult because every one of the town’s vehicles and essential facilities such as fire, police, hospitals and grocery stores were “immensely damaged,” says Solomon.

The mayor is now focused on working to help the most vulnerable, while also dealing with the personal impact of the disaster.

“The mayor's car was totally submerged by water. The roofing went, so I fully grasp the suffering that people are feeling, but what is a key focus for me now is to focus on getting assistance for the most at-risk at this time,” he explains.

The mayor estimates that it will take billions of local currency to restore Black River after Melissa’s annihilation. At present, he states, the main goal is removing debris from impassable roads, which have isolated the town.

“We are now trying to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can get relief supplies in. The majority of our stores, if not all, were severely affected so they will be unable to offer goods to persons who are in dire straits at this time,” he adds.

The prime minister has witnessed the devastation personally, with an flyover of the region revealing 80 to 90% of roofs in the area had been lost.

“It is going to be a massive undertaking to restore Black River. But while it is damaged, we can vision a future of it rising stronger and better,” he told local media.

“It will be accomplished. So keep the positive outlook, keep hope alive, and we will get through this, and we will rebuild better,” he affirmed.