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The local leader of Black River – a community referred to as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has detailed the immense storm surges and extensive devastation wrought by the catastrophe.

Reflecting on the harrowing ordeal, Richard Solomon recalled riding out the intense storm at an emergency response center.

“The entire town of this area is devastated,” he stated. “And that devastation is so severe that the national leader classified this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Several people from Black River are reported dead, but Solomon noted receiving word of additional deaths that remain unconfirmed due to connectivity and travel difficulties.

“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and continued for around several hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and torrential rainfall,” he added.

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

The mayor explained that Black River, situated in the severely affected southwest parish of the area, is lacking running water and power, and most buildings have lost their roofs. An authority previously described the town as flooded, with over half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has blocked the primary routes of a nearby area, where streets have been reduced to muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their homes and attempting to rescue their belongings.

Search and rescue operations and evaluations have proven almost impossible because all the town’s transport and critical services such as fire, police, hospitals and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” notes Solomon.

The mayor is now focused on working to assist the neediest residents, while also coping with the personal impact of the devastation.

“My vehicle was completely submerged by water. The roofing went, so I fully grasp the pain that people are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most at-risk at this time,” he says.

The mayor estimates that it will take millions of local currency to restore the community after the hurricane's destruction. At present, he says, the priority is removing debris from blocked routes, which have isolated the town.

“We are now trying to clear the major thoroughfares and secondary routes here so that we can deliver relief supplies in. Most of our stores, if not all, were impacted negatively so they won’t be able to provide supplies to persons who are in dire straits at this moment,” he adds.

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

“It is going to be a massive task to rebuild this historic town. But although it is damaged, we can vision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and better,” he informed reporters.

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