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This local leader of the town of Black River – a community referred to as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has shared the monstrous flooding and extensive destruction wrought by the disaster.

Speaking on the harrowing ordeal, the mayor described riding out the intense storm at an emergency operating centre.

“Our community of Black River is in ruins,” he said. “And that devastation is so catastrophic that the prime minister designated this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Several people from Black River are reported dead, but Solomon noted hearing reports of additional fatalities that are still being verified due to communication and transportation challenges.

“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and continued for around nine hours, during which we were battered with heavy winds and torrential rainfall,” he explained.

“We got up to 4.8 metres of flooding at the emergency operating centre. That was a frightening moment for us, and we were praying that it would not rise any further, because we were on the upper level, and I tell you, when we saw the water climbing, it was a terrifying moment for us.”

Solomon explained that the town, situated in the severely affected south-western region of St Elizabeth, is without water and electricity, and the majority of structures have lost their roofing. An authority earlier described the town as under water, with more than half a million inhabitants without power. A mudslide has obstructed the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where streets have been reduced to mud pits. Locals are now sweeping water from their houses and trying to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have become extremely difficult because all the town’s transport and critical services such as fire, law enforcement, medical centers and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” says Solomon.

He is now concentrating on working to help the neediest residents, while also dealing with the personal impact of the disaster.

“The mayor's car was completely covered by water. The roofing went, so I do understand the suffering that persons are feeling, but what is a key focus for me now is to focus on getting aid relief for the most vulnerable at this point,” he explains.

The mayor estimates that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to restore the community after the hurricane's destruction. At present, he states, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have cut off the town.

“We are now trying to clear the major thoroughfares and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver aid in. Most of our supermarkets, if not all, were severely affected so they will be unable to provide supplies to individuals who are in dire straits at this moment,” he adds.

National leadership has seen the devastation first-hand, with an flyover of the area showing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been lost.

“It is going to be a enormous task to rebuild Black River. But while it is damaged, we can vision a tomorrow of it rising more resilient and better,” he informed local media.

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