Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described the reconstruction of Black River as a “massive task” following a tour of sections of St Elizabeth devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

Holness visited several communities on Wednesday, where he spoke with residents and local officials struggling to come to terms with the widespread destruction left in the wake of the powerful Category 5 hurricane.

Police have so far confirmed four deaths in the parish.

Member of Parliament for South West St Elizabeth, Floyd Green, said the damage in Black River is almost total, with more than 90 per cent of homes affected. The historic town, known for its colonial-era buildings and rich heritage, has also lost several of its treasured landmarks.

Mayor Richard Solomon described the situation as dire, noting that relief supplies stored by the local authority were also lost during the hurricane.

Holness pledged the Government’s full support for recovery and rebuilding efforts but acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead.

Emergency teams continue to conduct search and rescue operations across the parish as authorities work to restore critical services and assess the full extent of the damage.