When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a landscape of widespread ruin. Dwellings, hospitals, and key utilities were destroyed, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an estimated 1.5 million people. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace things can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “A patient spoke of a cart we often move through the passageways, whose sound evoked memories of cracking branches and the howling wind. She has become averse to hearing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also affected parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect many 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 Unseen Cost Amidst Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event resulted in a massive aid package totaling up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an further disbursement of $150m from a innovative risk financing tool. But, authorities note this monetary aid does not address the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort is directed toward restoring buildings, research over the recent years show that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders rises markedly after major storms and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers emphasize how prolonged homelessness, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study warned of a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after extreme weather. Another study documented parallel psychological turmoil among people affected by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter several key mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is not widely available.
These experts found that women reported more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in well-being may occur within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors heal hinges on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts note that the loss of homes and livelihoods can intensify the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her patients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
In addition to the mental impact, tangible challenges continue. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, hampering the full return of water services. Monetary relief, while helpful, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Critical Lifeline
A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis shows that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more immediate than government assistance.
“State support is important,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of community solidarity in coping with disaster. She recalls being “moved by the resilient spirit” among resilient populations. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
Ifill also acknowledges steps to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The increasing frequency of extreme weather has prompted the development of frameworks for mental health response.
Regional institutions have published comprehensive manuals to help responders in delivering emotional aid in the aftermath of traumatic events. These efforts aim to foster psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Financial aid are also identified as key for protecting psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, stresses the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But up to this day, we were not granted the promised help,” he says.
A Call for Integrated Rebuilding
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to mitigate chronic psychological damage.
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