Mayor Guiding Recovery Work at Storm Melissa's Ground Zero
This mayor of Black River – a community described as “ground zero” for the devastating storm – has detailed the monstrous flooding and widespread devastation wrought by the catastrophe.
Speaking on the harrowing ordeal, Richard Solomon described riding out 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 designated this area as the worst-hit zone.”
Five individuals from the town are reported to have died, but the mayor noted hearing reports of additional fatalities that remain unconfirmed due to communication and travel difficulties.
“Storm Melissa came around eight in the morning and continued 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 water at the emergency operating centre. It was a frightening moment 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 climbing, it was a scary moment for us.”
Solomon explained that Black River, situated in the severely affected south-western parish of the area, is without water and electricity, and most structures have had their roofs. One official previously characterized the town as flooded, with more than half a million residents 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, medical centers and grocery stores were “severely damaged,” says Solomon.
The mayor is now focused on working to assist the neediest residents, while also coping with the personal impact of the devastation.
“The mayor's car was totally covered by water. The roofing went, so I do understand the pain that persons are feeling, but what is a priority for me now is to concentrate on securing assistance for the most vulnerable at this point,” he explains.
The mayor estimates that it will take billions of Jamaican dollars to restore the community after the hurricane's destruction. At present, he states, the main goal is clearing blocked routes, which have cut off the town.
“Efforts are underway to clear the major thoroughfares and secondary routes here so that we can get aid 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 need at this moment,” he adds.
National leadership has witnessed the devastation first-hand, with an aerial tour of the area showing the vast majority of buildings in the area had been lost.
“This will be a massive task to restore this historic town. But although it is damaged, we can envision a tomorrow of it rising stronger and better,” he told reporters.
“We will get it done. So maintain the optimism, remain hopeful, and we will get through this, and we will rebuild better,” he affirmed.
