When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a landscape of widespread ruin. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were leveled, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday occurrences can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient described a trolley we often move through the corridors, whose clatter sounded like breaking wood and the howling wind. She now refuses to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also affected eastern Cuba, memories of the frightening storm continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now cause trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Financial Losses
The catastrophic event triggered a massive financial package valued at $6.7 billion over three years and an extra disbursement of $150m from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. Yet, experts warn this economic assistance fails to account for the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the recent years indicate that the risk of severe anxiety disorders increases significantly after major storms and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now urging the integration of mental health support into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers highlight how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care amplify mental health risks. A scholarly article warned of a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Another study recorded parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face a trio of mental health challenges: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected experienced greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in mental health can happen within a year, the lasting effects can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors heal is largely determined by the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts see that the loss of homes and resources can magnify the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her patients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the psychological impact, physical problems remain. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, hampering the complete restoration of water services. Insurance payouts, while crucial, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Vital Pillar
A key finding is that material recovery fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Research consistently finds that survivors commonly experience community support to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“State support is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, neighbors keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of community solidarity in coping with disaster. She recalls being “struck by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also commends steps to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of constant exposure to traumatic media. “I recommended reducing screen time, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Global Recognition
Recently, psychological support has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the worsening climate emergency. The increasing frequency of extreme weather has prompted the development of frameworks for mental health response.
International bodies have developed comprehensive manuals to train responders in delivering psychological care in the wake of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Financial support are also identified as crucial for safeguarding psychological recovery. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when official support never arrives. “Officials visited... But to this date, we were not granted any payment,” he recounts.
A Plea for Holistic Recovery
Leaders note that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of planetary pollution yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to avoid enduring trauma.
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