Jamaica reels from catastrophic hurricane Melissa as Black River lies in ruins

The coastal town of Black River, described by the Jamaican government as Hurricane Melissa’s “ground zero,” lies devastated after one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record tore through the island, claiming at least 19 lives and leaving a trail of unprecedented destruction.

The Category 5 hurricane made landfall near Black River on Tuesday with winds of 185 mph (295 kph), leaving up to 90% of the town’s structures roofless.

The…