When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a picture of widespread ruin. Residences, hospitals, and vital systems were severely compromised, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple things can activate them,” Ifill notes. “An individual mentioned a cart we often roll through the passageways, whose clatter sounded like splintering trees and the fierce gales. She has become averse to listening to that sound.”
Weeks after the storm, which also affected neighboring Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now cause trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event triggered a massive recovery package valued at up to $6.7bn over several years and an extra payout of $150m from a pioneering catastrophe bond. However, experts warn this monetary aid does not address the psychological cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although the primary focus targets restoring buildings, studies over the past three years indicate that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases markedly after hurricanes and losing one's home. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Academics emphasize how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services worsen mental health risks. A scholarly article flagged a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after extreme weather. Another study documented parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of emotional obstacles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women showed higher mental distress than men. “This suggests women are more susceptible than males in such catastrophes,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in well-being is often seen within a year, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors recover depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts see that the destruction of property and possessions can magnify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her clients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional impact, practical problems continue. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of potable water. Financial aid, while crucial, cannot resolve the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Critical Foundation
Critically is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Studies shows that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.
“State support is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill notes the strength of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She says she was “moved by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
She further praises steps to encourage mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “The guidance included reducing screen time, following official updates, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
A Growing Global Recognition
Over the past decade, psychological support has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the escalating climate emergency. The growing regularity of hurricanes has led to the development of tools for mental health response.
Regional institutions have developed comprehensive manuals to assist field workers in providing psychological care in the immediate period of disasters. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by building capacity, promoting openness, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Economic aid are also identified as key for protecting mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a previous flood, stresses the frustration that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But to this date, we never got any payment,” he says.
A Call for Comprehensive Recovery
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed critical to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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