When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of widespread ruin. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an approximate 1.5 million people. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Everyday sounds can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient mentioned a wheeled bin we often roll through the passageways, whose sound evoked memories of cracking branches and the roaring storm. She has become averse to hearing that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now prompt trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Beyond Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event led to a massive aid package worth up to $6.7 billion over three years and an further disbursement of $150 million from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. However, experts warn this monetary aid does not address the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—notably among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus centers on restoring buildings, studies over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rises significantly after major storms and forced relocation. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across the region.
Increased Risks: Loss and Emotional Stability
Scholars emphasize how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care exacerbate emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Further research documented similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She notes that while humans are generally resilient, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that extensive research is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors reported higher mental distress than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in well-being can happen within a year, the ultimate prognosis are still unclear. The degree to which survivors bounce back hinges on the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and livelihoods can magnify the psychological burden to recover. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill sees the identical trend among her clients: “Those who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional toll, tangible problems persist. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, slowing the complete restoration of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Community Networks as a Vital Pillar
Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by life-altering injuries. Research shows that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is essential,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, neighbors provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further praises efforts to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “I recommended limiting social media, following official updates, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing International Focus
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from international agencies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has led to the development of guidelines for mental health response.
Major health organizations have developed practical guides to train responders in delivering emotional aid in the wake of disasters. These initiatives aim to build psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and facilitating the seeking of professional help.
Monetary aid are also identified as fundamental for safeguarding emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, highlights the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “They came... But to this date, we were not granted any payment,” he says.
An Appeal for Holistic Healing
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to avoid enduring trauma.
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