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This local leader of Black River – a community referred to as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has shared the monstrous storm surges and extensive devastation caused by the disaster.

Reflecting on the traumatic ordeal, Richard Solomon described enduring the intense storm at an emergency response center.

“The entire town of Black River is in ruins,” he stated. “And that devastation is so catastrophic that the national leader classified this area as ground zero.”

Several people from Black River are confirmed dead, but the mayor mentioned receiving word of additional deaths that are still being verified due to connectivity and travel difficulties.

“The hurricane arrived around eight in the morning and lasted for around nine hours, during which we were battered with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” he explained.

“We experienced up to 16ft of water at the response center. That was a frightening moment for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any further, because we were on the upper level, and frankly, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying experience for us.”

The mayor explained that Black River, located in the hard-hit south-western region of the area, is lacking running water and electricity, and most structures have lost their roofs. An authority previously characterized the town as under water, with over half a million inhabitants without power. A landslide has blocked the main roads of a nearby area, where streets have been turned to mud pits. Locals are now sweeping water from their homes and trying to rescue their possessions.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have become almost impossible because all the town’s transport and essential facilities such as fire, law enforcement, hospitals and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” says the mayor.

The mayor is now concentrating on trying to help the neediest residents, while also coping with the individual toll of the disaster.

“The mayor's car was totally covered by water. The roofing was lost, so I do understand the pain that persons are feeling, but what is a key focus for me now is to focus on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this point,” he explains.

Solomon estimates that it will take millions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild Black River after the hurricane's annihilation. For now, he states, 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 relief supplies in. The majority of our stores, if not all, were severely affected so they won’t be able to offer goods to persons who are in need at this time,” he adds.

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

“It is going to be a enormous undertaking to rebuild Black River. But while it is damaged, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising more resilient and improved,” he told reporters.

“It will be accomplished. So keep the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he affirmed.