When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a picture of widespread ruin. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were leveled, leading to 32 deaths and affecting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday sounds can trigger them,” Ifill states. “One woman spoke of a trolley we often move through the passageways, whose sound sounded like splintering trees and the fierce gales. She now refuses to hearing that sound.”
Weeks after the storm, which also struck parts of Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now elicit panic among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event resulted in a significant financial package totaling billions of dollars over three years and an extra payout of $150 million from a pioneering risk financing tool. However, authorities note this economic assistance fails to account for the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward physical reconstruction, academic work over the past three years show that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows substantially after major storms and losing one's home. Researchers are now calling for the incorporation of psychological care into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Academics highlight how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and poor access to care worsen mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Another study documented comparable psychological turmoil among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of emotional obstacles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—even though comprehensive data is not widely available.
These experts found that women affected experienced more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males in such catastrophes,” Smith comments.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in mental health can happen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors recover is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts note that the loss of homes and possessions can intensify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own emotional tax,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her patients: “People who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”
Beyond the mental damage, practical problems remain. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of potable water. Financial aid, while crucial, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Vital Lifeline
A key finding is that rebuilding alone does not address the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies consistently finds that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more effective than official aid.
“State support is important,” Smith acknowledges. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She says she was “moved by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
She further commends initiatives to support emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the dangers of constant exposure to traumatic media. “The guidance included limiting social media, sticking to reliable news, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
Recently, mental health has received more focus from global organizations due to the worsening climate emergency. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for mental health response.
International bodies have developed detailed resources to help aid personnel in offering psychosocial support in the immediate period of traumatic events. These projects aim to strengthen community and personal strength by training professionals, combating stigma, and facilitating the seeking of professional help.
Monetary resources are also highlighted as key for protecting emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, highlights the hopelessness that arises when official support fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he states.
A Call for Holistic Rebuilding
Leaders note that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to mitigate chronic psychological damage.
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