The full extent of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa became painfully clear on Wednesday as rescue teams and government officials arrived in Black River, the capital of St Elizabeth, Jamaica. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness somberly referred to the town as ‘ground zero,’ a stark reminder of the hurricane’s catastrophic impact. The once serene coastal town, located on Jamaica’s south-eastern shore, now lies in ruins, having borne the full force of the Category 5 storm. Holness, after conducting an aerial survey of the area, reported that Black River’s electricity grid and essential infrastructure had been completely obliterated. ‘Everything necessary for modern living has been destroyed here,’ he stated. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the Prime Minister noted the resilience and optimism of the local population, vowing that the government would undertake the monumental task of rebuilding the town. Meanwhile, the death toll from the hurricane was confirmed at four. In a related development, Norman Manley International Airport reopened on Wednesday afternoon to facilitate relief flights, with commercial operations set to resume on Thursday morning. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the Caribbean grappling with unprecedented destruction, prompting urgent international aid efforts.