When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on October 28th with winds of 185mph, it left behind a scene of widespread ruin. Homes, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, leading to 32 fatalities and affecting an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday sounds can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “One woman mentioned a cart we often roll through the halls, whose sound sounded like cracking branches and the roaring storm. She has become averse to listening to that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also impacted parts of Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of falling rain can now elicit trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event resulted in a substantial aid package valued at up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra payout of $150 million from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. But, experts warn this financial relief fails to account for the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
While most attention centers on rebuilding infrastructure, research over the recent years indicate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases markedly after major storms and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now calling for the incorporation of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across Caribbean nations.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Mental Health
Scholars stress how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services exacerbate mental health risks. A recent regional study identified a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Additional analysis recorded parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that extensive research is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women reported greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in psychological state may occur within a year of the event, the ultimate prognosis remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors heal depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts observe that the loss of homes and resources can heighten the emotional challenge to recover. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill sees the identical trend among her clients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”
In addition to the psychological damage, physical challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, hampering the full return of potable water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Vital Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Research shows that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more responsive than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith acknowledges. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, communities support one another.”
Ifill notes the value of mutual support in coping with disaster. She recalls being “impressed by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises initiatives to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
Recently, psychological support has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the escalating climate crisis. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has led to the development of guidelines for trauma support.
Major health organizations have published detailed resources to help field workers in offering emotional aid in the aftermath of catastrophes. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, promoting openness, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Financial aid are also highlighted as crucial for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, stresses the despair that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “They came... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he recounts.
A Call for Holistic Recovery
Experts observe that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to mitigate enduring trauma.
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