🔗 Share this article

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

Speaking on the harrowing experience, the mayor described riding out the Category 5 storm at an emergency response center.

“Our community of Black River is in ruins,” he said. “And that devastation is so severe that the prime minister designated this area as the worst-hit zone.”

Five individuals from Black River are confirmed to have died, but the mayor noted hearing reports of other deaths that are still being verified due to communication and travel difficulties.

“Storm Melissa arrived around eight in the morning and lasted for around nine hours, during which we were pounded with strong gusts and a lot of rain,” he added.

“We experienced up to 4.8 metres of flooding at the response center. It was a bit scary for us, and we were hoping that it would not rise any more, because we were on the second floor, and frankly, when we saw the water rising, it was a terrifying experience 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 most structures have had their roofing. An authority previously characterized the town as flooded, with more than 500,000 inhabitants lacking electricity. A landslide has obstructed the primary routes of Santa Cruz, where roadways have been turned to muddy tracks. Residents are now sweeping water from their homes and attempting to rescue their belongings.

Rescue efforts and damage assessments have become almost impossible because all the town’s vehicles and critical services such as fire, police, medical centers and supermarkets were “immensely damaged,” notes the mayor.

He is now concentrating on trying to assist the neediest residents, while also dealing with the personal impact of the disaster.

“The mayor's car was totally covered by water. My roof was lost, so I fully grasp 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 time,” he explains.

Solomon estimates that it will take millions of local currency to restore Black River after Melissa’s annihilation. For now, he states, the priority is removing debris from impassable roads, which have cut off the town.

“We are now trying to get the main roads and critical lateral roads here so that we can deliver relief supplies in. The majority of our supermarkets, if not all, were severely affected so they won’t be able to provide supplies to persons who are in dire straits at this time,” he says.

The prime minister has witnessed the devastation personally, with an flyover of the region revealing the vast majority of roofs in the area had been destroyed.

“This will be a enormous undertaking to rebuild Black River. But while it is damaged, we can envision a future of it emerging more resilient and improved,” he informed local media.

“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.