When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a landscape of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, medical facilities, and key utilities were destroyed, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple things can activate them,” Ifill notes. “An individual spoke of a trolley we often roll through the corridors, whose sound sounded like splintering trees and the fierce gales. She now refuses to experiencing that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the hurricane, which also impacted neighboring Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event continue to haunt some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of rain can now prompt panic among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
The catastrophic event resulted in a significant recovery package valued at $6.7 billion over several years and an extra payout of $150m from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. However, specialists caution this monetary aid fails to account for the psychological cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those still recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Although most attention centers on rebuilding infrastructure, research over the recent years show that the risk of severe anxiety disorders increases substantially after major storms and forced relocation. Experts are now advocating for the incorporation of psychological care into national recovery strategies across the region.
Increased Risks: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Academics emphasize how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services worsen emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after extreme weather. Another study recorded comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face a trio of psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—although comprehensive data is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected showed higher mental distress than male counterparts. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in mental health is often seen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts note that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her clients: “Those who had pre-existing mental health challenges have reported it’s much more severe in this aftermath.”
Beyond the mental impact, tangible problems remain. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, slowing the full return of potable water. Monetary relief, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Vital Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Research consistently finds that survivors often find community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“State support is important,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the value of social bonds in coping with disaster. She notes she was “struck by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends steps to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the dangers of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Recently, psychological support has received more focus from global organizations due to the escalating climate crisis. The growing regularity of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have released practical guides to train aid personnel in delivering psychological care in the immediate period of traumatic events. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, promoting openness, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Economic support are also identified as key for protecting emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, emphasizes the despair that arises when promised compensation is not delivered. “Officials visited... But even now, we never got the promised help,” he says.
A Plea for Comprehensive Healing
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to prevent prolonged suffering.
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