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This mayor of Black River – an area referred to as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has shared the monstrous flooding and widespread devastation caused by the catastrophe.

Speaking on the harrowing ordeal, the mayor described riding out the intense storm at an emergency operating centre.

“The entire town of this area is in ruins,” he said. “The destruction is so catastrophic that the national leader designated this area as ground zero.”

Five individuals from the town are confirmed dead, but the mayor noted hearing reports of other fatalities that are still being verified due to connectivity and travel difficulties.

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

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of flooding at the emergency operating centre. That was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any more, 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 the town, situated in the hard-hit southwest region of the area, is without running water and power, and the majority of structures have lost their roofs. One official previously characterized the town as under water, with over half a million inhabitants without power. A mudslide has blocked the primary routes of a nearby area, where roadways have been reduced to muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their homes and attempting to rescue their possessions.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have proven extremely difficult because every one of the town’s vehicles and critical services such as fire, police, medical centers and supermarkets were “severely damaged,” says Solomon.

He is now focused on trying to help the most vulnerable, while also dealing with the individual toll of the devastation.

“The mayor's car was totally covered by water. My roof went, so I fully grasp the pain that persons are feeling, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on getting assistance for the most at-risk at this time,” he says.

Solomon estimates that it will take millions of local currency to restore Black River after the hurricane's destruction. For now, he says, the main goal is removing debris from blocked routes, which have cut off the town.

“We are now trying to clear the major thoroughfares and secondary routes here so that we can deliver relief supplies in. Most of our stores, if not all, were severely affected so they will be unable to offer goods to individuals who are in need at this moment,” he adds.

The prime minister has seen the devastation personally, with an flyover of the area showing the vast majority of roofs in the area had been lost.

“It is going to be a massive task to restore Black River. But while it is destroyed, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and improved,” he informed reporters.

“We will get it done. So maintain the positive outlook, keep hope alive, and we will overcome this challenge, and we will rebuild better,” he affirmed.