When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a picture of widespread ruin. Residences, hospitals, and key utilities were severely compromised, causing 32 fatalities and affecting an estimated 1.5 million people. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the material damage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace sounds can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “A patient spoke of a wheeled bin we often roll through the passageways, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to experiencing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of falling rain can now elicit trauma responses among survivors.
The Psychological Price Amidst Financial Losses
The catastrophic event led to a massive aid package worth up to billions of dollars over several years and an additional payout of $150m from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. Yet, experts warn this monetary aid does not address the invisible cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
While the lion's share of effort targets restoring buildings, studies over the recent years indicate that the risk of PTSD increases markedly after major storms and forced relocation. Researchers are now advocating for the incorporation of mental health support into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study identified a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after extreme weather. Another study found parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of emotional obstacles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She points out that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors reported more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in psychological state is often seen within a year of the event, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts see that the being rendered homeless and possessions can intensify the psychological burden to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own emotional tax,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her patients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
Beyond the mental damage, tangible issues persist. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, slowing the full return of potable water. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Social Networks as a Vital Lifeline
Critically is that material recovery fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Research indicates that survivors commonly experience community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill notes the strength of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “moved by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she praises efforts to support mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was limiting social media, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to maintain social support.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from global organizations due to the worsening climate emergency. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for trauma support.
International bodies have released practical guides to train aid personnel in providing psychosocial support in the immediate period of traumatic events. These efforts aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Monetary support are also identified as key for preserving emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “They came... But to this date, we were not granted the promised help,” he states.
An Appeal for Holistic Rebuilding
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed vital to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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