When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a scene of catastrophic damage. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were leveled, leading to 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Everyday things can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “A patient mentioned a trolley we often roll through the passageways, whose noise reminded her of breaking wood and the howling wind. She now refuses to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected neighboring Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now elicit trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Economic Reconstruction
This disaster resulted in a significant financial package valued at up to $6.7bn over several years and an extra disbursement of $150 million from a pioneering risk financing tool. However, experts warn this monetary aid fails to account for the unseen cost: widespread trauma—especially among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort is directed toward physical reconstruction, research over the past three years indicate that the risk of PTSD increases significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Layered Struggles: Loss and Emotional Stability
Researchers highlight how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care worsen emotional distress. A scholarly article identified a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Additional analysis found comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face three primary emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in risk reduction, concurs. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
These experts found that female survivors showed higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in psychological state may occur within a year of the event, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors recover is largely determined by the specific triggers and the resources accessible.
The experts see that the loss of homes and resources can heighten the mental struggle to start over. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her clients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional impact, physical issues persist. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of potable water. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Community Support as a Essential Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by life-altering injuries. Studies indicates that survivors frequently report community support to be more effective than official aid.
“State support is essential,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She says she was “struck by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges steps to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
An Expanding Global Recognition
Recently, mental health has received more focus from world bodies due to the escalating climate crisis. The growing regularity of hurricanes has prompted the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Major health organizations have published detailed resources to help responders in providing psychological care in the wake of traumatic events. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, reducing shame, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Economic resources are also highlighted as fundamental for safeguarding psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, highlights the despair that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “Officials visited... But even now, we did not receive compensation,” he says.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Recovery
Leaders note that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of global emissions yet endures extreme climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed vital to prevent enduring trauma.
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