When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on October 28th with winds of 185mph, it caused a landscape of catastrophic damage. Residences, healthcare centers, and key utilities were destroyed, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives 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 paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple things can activate them,” Ifill states. “A patient described a wheeled bin we often move through the halls, whose noise evoked memories of breaking wood and the roaring storm. She has become averse to experiencing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the storm, which also impacted parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of falling rain can now elicit stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Financial Losses
This disaster triggered a substantial aid package worth up to billions of dollars over several years and an additional payout of $150m from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. But, specialists caution this monetary aid fails to account for the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those previously affected from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Whereas most attention is directed toward restoring buildings, academic work over the last several years demonstrate that the probability of PTSD increases significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Researchers are now advocating for the inclusion of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Mental Health
Researchers highlight how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support amplify emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Further research found similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of emotional obstacles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in risk reduction, agrees. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that women showed greater psychological suffering than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in mental health is often seen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors recover depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and possessions can magnify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill sees the parallel situation among her patients: “People who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
In addition to the emotional impact, tangible challenges persist. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of potable water. Financial aid, while crucial, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Critical Lifeline
A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Studies shows that survivors often find social networks to be more immediate than official aid.
“State support is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, neighbors provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of mutual support in navigating hardship. She says she was “struck 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.”
She further commends steps to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but warns about the dangers of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was curating news intake, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Recently, psychological support has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have released comprehensive manuals to assist field workers in offering psychological care in the wake of traumatic events. These efforts aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by training professionals, promoting openness, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Economic resources are also underlined as fundamental for preserving psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, emphasizes the frustration that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “They came... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he says.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Leaders note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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