When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a picture of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Everyday sounds can activate them,” Ifill notes. “A patient spoke of a trolley we often move through the halls, whose clatter sounded like breaking wood and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to hearing that sound.”
Weeks after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now prompt trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event resulted in a substantial financial package totaling up to $6.7bn over three years and an additional disbursement of $150 million from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. However, authorities note this economic assistance cannot cover the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
While most attention is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the last several years indicate that the risk of PTSD grows markedly after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now calling for the integration of psychological care into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Loss and Emotional Stability
Researchers highlight how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article identified a significant risk of severe mental health issues after extreme weather. Additional analysis documented similar psychological turmoil among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in risk reduction, echoes this view. She points out that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is not widely available.
The researchers found that women affected experienced greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males in such catastrophes,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in well-being is often seen within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The likelihood to which survivors heal depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the emotional challenge to start over. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her patients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
Beyond the mental damage, tangible challenges continue. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of clean water. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Vital Pillar
A key finding is that material recovery fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors often find community support to be more responsive than official aid.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the resilient spirit” among resilient populations. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further commends steps to support psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was limiting social media, sticking to reliable news, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
A Growing Global Recognition
Recently, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the worsening climate emergency. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has prompted the development of frameworks for mental health response.
International bodies have published comprehensive manuals to assist aid personnel in offering psychological care in the immediate period of catastrophes. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, combating stigma, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Economic aid are also identified as fundamental for protecting psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, stresses the despair that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “They came... But up to this day, we did not receive compensation,” he says.
A Plea for Integrated Rebuilding
Experts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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