People walk along muddied roads scavenging the wreckage for food. Others jump into damaged stores in the hope of finding bottled water or other supplies.
As the death toll rises, residents of Black River are still searching for loved ones while they also battle to survive, days after Hurricane Melissa made this Jamaican port city ground zero of the devastation seen across the Caribbean.
Residents here say they have been living in a state of chaos the last three days since Melissa slammed into them as one of the most powerful category 5 storms ever recorded in the region.
The fierce winds and storm surge that barrelled through here have decimated nearly everything, leaving roads unusable and a trail of destruction that has them increasingly desperate and isolated with no electricity or running water.
Capsized boats lie curbside while brick buildings are split in half. Roads are cluttered with debris and vehicles as residents navigate the wreckage in search of essentials.
Food sources are dwindling, and many have resorted to looting battered stores to secure supplies that remain. Demar Walker explained how he and others had to climb into a market to salvage what they could, tossing items to others in need.
“We need food and water,” echoed residents who shared stories of looting, desperation, and the struggle to survive amidst ongoing chaos.
Efforts to provide aid are hampered by destroyed infrastructure, which has left local hospitals and emergency services severely impacted. As the community pleads for help, the mayor acknowledges the necessity of loot while emphasizing the need for immediate assistance to restore order and supplies.
As military aid begins to arrive, residents remain hopeful for better days ahead while grappling with the harsh reality of their immediate needs for survival.
