When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of widespread ruin. Homes, medical facilities, and key utilities were leveled, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an approximate 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Everyday sounds can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “A patient spoke of a trolley we often move through the passageways, whose noise sounded like splintering trees and the howling wind. She now refuses to experiencing that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now cause stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event triggered a significant aid package worth up to $6.7 billion over three years and an further disbursement of $150m from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. Yet, experts warn this financial relief cannot cover the psychological cost: widespread trauma—especially among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the last several years demonstrate that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rises significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the incorporation of psychological care into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Scholars stress how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services amplify mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a clear threat of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Additional analysis found comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience several key psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, agrees. She notes that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that extensive research is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected showed greater psychological suffering than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in psychological state may occur within a year, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors recover is largely determined by the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts see that the loss of homes and possessions can magnify the mental struggle to recover. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her those seeking help: “Those who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
In addition to the psychological toll, physical problems persist. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, slowing the complete restoration of water services. Financial aid, while helpful, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Essential Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors frequently report community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“State support is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is slow, communities support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the value of community solidarity in coping with disaster. She notes she was “struck by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further acknowledges efforts to encourage mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the dangers of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended curating news intake, sticking to reliable news, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding Global Recognition
Over the past decade, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the intensifying climate crisis. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of frameworks for mental health response.
Regional institutions have developed practical guides to help responders in delivering psychological care in the aftermath of disasters. These initiatives aim to build individual and social resilience by building capacity, reducing shame, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Monetary support are also underlined as key for safeguarding psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a previous flood, highlights the frustration that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But even now, we never got any payment,” he says.
An Appeal for Integrated Rebuilding
Experts observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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