When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a scene of catastrophic damage. Residences, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, causing 32 fatalities and impacting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be shadowed by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Everyday occurrences can trigger them,” Ifill states. “An individual spoke of a cart we often push through the passageways, whose noise reminded her of cracking branches and the howling wind. She now refuses to listening to that sound.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now elicit panic among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event resulted in a substantial financial package totaling up to $6.7bn over three years and an additional payment of $150m from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. However, authorities note this monetary aid fails to account for the invisible cost: widespread trauma—especially among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort centers on rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of PTSD grows substantially after major storms and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now urging the incorporation of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Loss and Emotional Stability
Scholars stress how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services amplify emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Another study documented similar psychological turmoil among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, echoes this view. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is still lacking.
These experts found that female survivors experienced more severe emotional impact than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in psychological state can happen within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors recover hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts note that the loss of homes and livelihoods can heighten the mental struggle to start over. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have found it’s much more severe in this aftermath.”
Beyond the mental toll, practical challenges remain. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Essential Lifeline
A key finding is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Research consistently finds that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more effective than official aid.
“State support is important,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “moved by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges efforts to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended reducing screen time, following official updates, and turning to apps to maintain social support.”
A Growing Global Recognition
Recently, psychological support has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has catalyzed the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have published comprehensive manuals to assist responders in providing emotional aid in the aftermath of disasters. These efforts aim to foster psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Economic aid are also highlighted as crucial for protecting emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, highlights the frustration that arises when official support fails to materialize. “They came... But up to this day, we never got compensation,” he recounts.
A Plea for Integrated Recovery
Experts observe that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet bears disastrous climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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