When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a landscape of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, medical facilities, and key utilities were leveled, causing 32 deaths and affecting an estimated 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Everyday sounds can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “An individual mentioned a cart we often push through the corridors, whose sound reminded her of splintering trees and the fierce gales. She now refuses to listening to that sound.”
Weeks after the storm, which also affected neighboring Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now prompt stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Financial Losses
The catastrophic event led to a substantial aid package valued at up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an extra payment of millions from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. Yet, specialists caution this economic assistance fails to account for the psychological cost: widespread trauma—notably among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort is directed toward physical reconstruction, studies over the past three years show that the probability of PTSD rises substantially after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now calling for the inclusion of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across the region.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Mental Health
Academics stress how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services worsen emotional distress. A recent regional study flagged a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after extreme weather. Another study recorded similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter three primary emotional obstacles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, concurs. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that extensive research is still lacking.
These experts found that women reported more severe emotional impact than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in well-being can happen within a year of the event, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors recover hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own emotional tax,” she emphasizes.
Ifill sees the parallel situation among her clients: “People who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional impact, tangible problems continue. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of potable water. Monetary relief, while crucial, are insufficient to fix the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Essential Pillar
A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Studies indicates that survivors commonly experience community support to be more immediate than official aid.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, neighbors keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the strength of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She recalls being “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises efforts to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of constant exposure to traumatic media. “The guidance included curating news intake, following official updates, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
In recent years, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the worsening climate crisis. The growing regularity of hurricanes has prompted the development of tools for psychological first aid.
International bodies have released detailed resources to help aid personnel in delivering emotional aid in the aftermath of catastrophes. These projects aim to foster community and personal strength by educating caregivers, reducing shame, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Financial resources are also identified as crucial for preserving mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, highlights the frustration that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But up to this day, we did not receive compensation,” he states.
An Appeal for Holistic Rebuilding
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of global emissions yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to mitigate chronic psychological damage.
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