When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace things can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “An individual described a cart we often roll through the halls, whose noise reminded her of splintering trees and the roaring storm. She now refuses to hearing that auditory reminder.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also affected neighboring Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now elicit stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Financial Losses
The catastrophic event triggered a significant financial package valued at $6.7 billion over three years and an further payment of $150m from a pioneering catastrophe bond. However, experts warn this economic assistance fails to account for the psychological cost: widespread trauma—notably among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although most attention centers on restoring buildings, research over the last several years demonstrate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders increases significantly after major storms and forced relocation. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers emphasize how prolonged homelessness, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support worsen emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Another study documented parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter three primary mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, concurs. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that extensive research is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors reported higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith comments.
The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in mental health is often seen within a year, the ultimate prognosis remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors recover depends heavily on the specific triggers and the resources accessible.
The experts see that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the mental struggle to start over. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own emotional tax,” she says.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her patients: “People who had previous psychological issues have found it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
Apart from the mental damage, tangible challenges continue. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of potable water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Social Support as a Essential Lifeline
Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies indicates that survivors frequently report community support to be more responsive than official aid.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, communities support one another.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of mutual support in navigating hardship. She notes she was “impressed by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she praises initiatives to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the dangers of doomscrolling. “My advice was limiting social media, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Global Recognition
In recent years, psychological support has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the worsening climate emergency. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of tools for trauma support.
Major health organizations have developed practical guides to assist field workers in providing emotional aid in the aftermath of disasters. These initiatives aim to foster community and personal strength by building capacity, combating stigma, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Monetary resources are also highlighted as fundamental for safeguarding emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a similar event, highlights the frustration that arises when official support never arrives. “They came... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Integrated Recovery
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of global emissions yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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