This mayor of Black River – a community described as “the epicenter” for the devastating storm – has shared the monstrous flooding and widespread destruction caused by the catastrophe.
Reflecting on the harrowing experience, the mayor described enduring the intense storm at an emergency operating centre.
“The entire town of this area is devastated,” he stated. “And that devastation is so severe that the prime minister classified this area as the worst-hit zone.”
Several people from the town are reported to have died, but the mayor mentioned hearing reports of other fatalities that are still being verified due to communication and travel challenges.
“Storm Melissa arrived around eight in the morning and lasted for around several hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and torrential rainfall,” he explained.
“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of water at the response center. It was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not increase any more, because we were on the upper level, and frankly, when we saw the water climbing, it was a terrifying experience for us.”
Solomon explained that the town, located in the hard-hit south-western parish of St Elizabeth, is without water and electricity, and most buildings have had their roofing. One official previously described the town as under water, with more than half a million inhabitants lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the primary routes of a nearby area, where streets have been reduced to mud pits. Locals are now removing water from their houses and attempting to salvage their belongings.
Rescue efforts and damage assessments have proven almost impossible because every one of the town’s transport and critical services such as firefighting, police, medical centers and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” says Solomon.
He is now concentrating on working to help the neediest residents, while also coping with the personal impact of the disaster.
“My vehicle was totally covered by water. My roof was lost, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are experiencing, but what is a key focus for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most vulnerable at this time,” he says.
Solomon believes that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to rebuild the community after Melissa’s annihilation. For now, he says, the priority is removing debris from blocked routes, which have isolated the town.
“Efforts are underway to clear the major thoroughfares and secondary routes 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 offer goods to persons who are in dire straits at this moment,” he adds.
The prime minister has seen the devastation personally, with an aerial tour of the region showing the vast majority of roofs in the area had been lost.
“It is going to be a massive task to rebuild this historic town. But while it is damaged, we can vision a tomorrow of it emerging stronger and better,” he informed reporters.
“It will be accomplished. So keep the optimism, keep hope alive, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he said.
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