St Elizabeth, Jamaica, faced catastrophic destruction on Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, tore through the parish, leaving the historic capital of Black River in ruins. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness provided a detailed update on Wednesday after conducting an aerial survey of the affected areas earlier in the day. He reported that between 80 to 90 percent of the roofs in the region were destroyed, with a significant number of buildings severely damaged. The devastation was particularly evident in Black River, where critical infrastructure, including the Black River Hospital, historic buildings, churches, the courthouse, and the parish council building, were completely destroyed. The hurricane also wiped out the entire electricity grid and severely disrupted the telecommunication system, leaving the community in a state of disarray. Despite the overwhelming destruction, Holness praised the resilience and positive outlook of the local population. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing emergency relief, starting with clearing roadways to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies and aid. Holness also expressed a vision for rebuilding Black River stronger and more resilient, taking the opportunity to reorganize the town and address vulnerabilities in its infrastructure. The satellite image of Black River from February 9, 2025, starkly contrasts with the current devastation, highlighting the scale of the disaster.