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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 immense storm surges and extensive destruction caused by the catastrophe.

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

“Our community of this area is in ruins,” he stated. “The destruction is so catastrophic that the national leader classified this area as ground zero.”

Five individuals from Black River are confirmed dead, but the mayor noted hearing reports of additional fatalities that remain unconfirmed due to communication and travel challenges.

“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and continued for around several hours, during which we were battered with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” he added.

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

The mayor explained that the town, situated in the severely affected southwest region of the area, is lacking running water and power, and the majority of buildings have lost their roofs. An authority earlier described 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 muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their homes and trying to rescue their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have become extremely difficult because every one of the town’s transport and essential facilities such as fire, law enforcement, medical centers and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” says Solomon.

The mayor is now concentrating on trying to help the neediest residents, while also coping with the individual toll of the disaster.

“The mayor's car was completely submerged by water. The roofing went, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are feeling, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on securing assistance for the most vulnerable at this point,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take billions of local currency to rebuild the community after Melissa’s destruction. For now, he states, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to get the major thoroughfares and secondary routes here so that we can get aid in. The majority of our supermarkets, if not all, were severely affected so they will be unable to offer goods to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he adds.

National leadership has witnessed the devastation personally, with an aerial tour of the region revealing the vast majority of roofs in the area had been lost.

“This will be a enormous undertaking to rebuild this historic town. But while it is damaged, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and better,” he told 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 affirmed.