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The local leader of the town of Black River – an area described as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has detailed the immense flooding and widespread destruction caused by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the traumatic ordeal, the mayor described enduring the intense storm at an emergency response center.

“The entire town of Black River is devastated,” he said. “The destruction is so catastrophic that the national leader designated this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Several people from the town are confirmed to have died, but the mayor mentioned hearing reports of additional deaths that are still being verified due to connectivity and travel challenges.

“The hurricane came around eight in the morning and lasted for around several hours, during which we were battered with heavy winds and a lot of rain,” he added.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the emergency operating centre. That was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase any more, because we were on the upper level, and I tell you, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying moment for us.”

The mayor stated that Black River, situated in the hard-hit south-western parish of the area, is without running water and power, and most buildings have lost their roofing. An authority previously described the town as flooded, with over half a million residents lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the main roads of Santa Cruz, where streets have been reduced to muddy tracks. Residents are now removing water from their houses and trying to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have become almost impossible because every one of the town’s transport and critical services such as firefighting, police, medical centers and grocery stores were “immensely damaged,” says Solomon.

He is now concentrating on trying to assist the neediest residents, while also coping with the individual toll of the devastation.

“My vehicle was totally submerged by water. My roof went, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to focus on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this point,” he explains.

The mayor believes that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to restore the community after the hurricane's annihilation. At present, he says, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“Efforts are underway to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can get aid in. Most of our supermarkets, if not all, were severely affected so they will be unable to provide supplies to persons who are in dire straits at this moment,” he adds.

The prime minister has witnessed the damage personally, with an aerial tour of the region revealing 80 to 90% of roofs in the area had been destroyed.

“This will be a massive task to restore Black River. But while it is destroyed, we can vision a tomorrow of it rising more resilient and improved,” he informed local media.

“It will be accomplished. So maintain the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will reconstruct stronger,” he affirmed.