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This local leader of Black River – an area described as “ground zero” for Hurricane Melissa – has detailed the monstrous storm surges and extensive destruction caused by the disaster.

Speaking on the traumatic experience, Richard Solomon recalled riding out the intense 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 Solomon noted hearing reports of additional deaths that are still being verified due to communication and travel challenges.

“Storm Melissa arrived around 8 a.m. and continued for around several hours, during which we were battered with heavy winds and a lot of rain,” he explained.

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

Solomon stated that Black River, situated in the severely affected south-western parish of the area, is without water and power, and most buildings have had their roofing. One official previously characterized the town as flooded, with over half a million residents without power. A landslide has blocked the main roads of a nearby area, where roadways have been reduced to mud pits. Locals are now sweeping water from their homes and trying to salvage their belongings.

Rescue efforts and evaluations have proven almost impossible because every one of the town’s vehicles and essential facilities such as fire, law enforcement, hospitals and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” notes Solomon.

He is now concentrating on trying to assist the most vulnerable, while also dealing with the personal impact of the devastation.

“The mayor's car was completely covered 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 focus on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this time,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take billions of local currency to restore the community after Melissa’s annihilation. At present, he says, the priority is clearing impassable roads, which have cut off the town.

“Efforts are underway to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can get relief supplies in. The majority of our supermarkets, if not all, were severely affected so they won’t be able to provide supplies to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he says.

The prime minister has seen the devastation first-hand, with an aerial tour of the region showing 80 to 90% of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“This will be a enormous undertaking to restore Black River. But although it is destroyed, we can vision a tomorrow of it emerging stronger and better,” he informed local media.

“We will get it done. So maintain the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he said.