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The local leader of the town of Black River – a community referred to as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has shared the immense storm surges and extensive destruction caused by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the traumatic ordeal, Richard Solomon recalled riding out the Category 5 hurricane at an emergency operating centre.

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

Five individuals from the town are reported dead, but Solomon mentioned hearing reports of other fatalities that are still being verified due to communication and travel difficulties.

“The hurricane arrived around 8 a.m. and continued for around several hours, during which we were battered with strong gusts and torrential rainfall,” he added.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of flooding at the response center. That was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase any further, 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 St Elizabeth, is lacking running water and power, and most buildings have had their roofing. An authority earlier characterized the town as flooded, with over half a million residents lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the main roads of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been turned to mud pits. Locals are now removing water from their houses and trying to rescue their belongings.

Search and rescue operations and damage assessments have become extremely difficult because every one of the town’s vehicles and critical services such as fire, law enforcement, hospitals and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” notes the mayor.

He is now focused on working to assist the neediest residents, while also dealing with the individual toll of the devastation.

“My vehicle was totally submerged by water. My roof was lost, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are experiencing, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on getting aid relief for the most at-risk at this point,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to restore the community after the hurricane's annihilation. At present, he states, the priority is clearing blocked routes, which have cut off the town.

“Efforts are underway to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver relief supplies in. The majority of our stores, if not all, were severely affected so they won’t be able to offer goods to individuals who are in dire straits at this time,” he adds.

The prime minister has witnessed the damage first-hand, with an flyover of the region revealing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been destroyed.

“It is going to be a enormous task to restore Black River. But although it is destroyed, we can envision a tomorrow of it emerging stronger and improved,” he informed local media.

“We will get it done. So maintain the optimism, keep hope alive, and we will get through this, and we will rebuild better,” he said.