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The local leader of Black River – an area described as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has detailed the immense storm surges and extensive devastation wrought by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the harrowing experience, the mayor described enduring the Category 5 hurricane at an emergency response center.

“The entire town of this area is in ruins,” he said. “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 noted hearing reports of additional deaths that are still being verified due to connectivity and travel difficulties.

“The hurricane came around 8 a.m. and lasted for around several hours, during which we were pounded with heavy winds and torrential rainfall,” he explained.

“We experienced up to 16ft of flooding at the emergency operating centre. 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 terrifying moment for us.”

Solomon stated that the town, located in the severely affected south-western region of the area, is lacking running water and power, and the majority of structures have had their roofs. One official previously described the town as flooded, with over half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A mudslide has obstructed the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where streets have been turned to muddy tracks. Locals are now sweeping water from their homes and trying to salvage their belongings.

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

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

“My vehicle was totally submerged by water. My roof was lost, so I do understand the suffering that persons are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to focus on securing assistance for the most vulnerable at this time,” he says.

Solomon believes that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to restore Black River after the hurricane's annihilation. At present, he says, the main goal is removing debris from impassable roads, which have cut off the town.

“Efforts are underway to clear the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver aid in. Most of our supermarkets, if not all, were severely affected so they won’t be able to offer goods to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he adds.

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

“It is going to be a enormous task to restore Black River. But while it is destroyed, we can envision a future of it emerging more resilient and improved,” he informed reporters.

“It will be accomplished. So maintain the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will get through this, and we will rebuild better,” he affirmed.