When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a landscape of catastrophic damage. Homes, healthcare centers, and vital systems were severely compromised, causing 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday sounds can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “An individual spoke of a wheeled bin we often move through the corridors, whose clatter evoked memories of breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to experiencing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also affected eastern Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now cause trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event triggered a substantial financial package worth up to up to $6.7bn over several years and an further payout of $150m from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. However, experts warn this monetary aid cannot cover the psychological cost: widespread trauma—especially among those previously affected from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
While the lion's share of effort is directed toward restoring buildings, academic work over the past three years demonstrate that the risk of severe anxiety disorders rises markedly after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the inclusion of mental health support into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Loss and Mental Health
Scholars highlight how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care exacerbate mental health risks. A recent regional study identified a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Further research recorded parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience several key emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
The researchers found that women affected showed more severe emotional impact than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in mental health can happen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors recover is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts note that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the emotional challenge to recover. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own emotional tax,” she adds.
Ifill sees the identical trend among her clients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the psychological impact, tangible challenges remain. The hurricane wiped out critical water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of potable water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Critical Foundation
A key finding is that material recovery cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research consistently finds that survivors often find community support to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is important,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, communities support one another.”
Ifill notes the value of social bonds in coping with disaster. She says she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges steps to support emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the dangers of doomscrolling. “My advice was limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Regional Priority
In recent years, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the worsening climate emergency. The increasing frequency of extreme weather has prompted the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.
International bodies have released detailed resources to train aid personnel in delivering emotional aid in the aftermath of disasters. These initiatives aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, combating stigma, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Economic resources are also highlighted as crucial for preserving mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a similar event, emphasizes the despair that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we did not receive compensation,” he says.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Healing
Experts observe that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to prevent enduring trauma.
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