When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a scene of widespread ruin. Dwellings, hospitals, and key utilities were destroyed, leading to 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace sounds can activate them,” Ifill explains. “An individual described a wheeled bin we often move through the corridors, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also struck neighboring Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of rain can now prompt trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Financial Losses
This disaster resulted in a substantial financial package valued at billions of dollars over several years and an extra payment of $150m from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. But, experts warn this financial relief cannot cover the unseen cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.
While the primary focus centers on restoring buildings, academic work over the last several years show that the likelihood of PTSD increases substantially after climate disasters and forced relocation. Experts are now advocating for the integration of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Researchers stress how long-term dislocation, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study flagged a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Another study found similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter several key psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that women experienced greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in mental health can happen within a year of the event, the ultimate prognosis are still unclear. The degree to which survivors recover depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts note that the destruction of property and possessions can heighten the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her clients: “People who had pre-existing mental health challenges have found it’s much more severe in this aftermath.”
Apart from the emotional toll, practical problems persist. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of clean water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Vital Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Expert analysis indicates that survivors often find community support to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, neighbors provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges efforts to encourage mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was reducing screen time, following official updates, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
Recently, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the worsening planetary changes. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have published detailed resources to help responders in providing psychological care in the wake of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, reducing shame, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Economic support are also highlighted as crucial for preserving mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, emphasizes the despair that arises when expected aid never arrives. “They came... But up to this day, we were not granted compensation,” he recounts.
A Call for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Analysts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a minuscule fraction of planetary pollution yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to prevent prolonged suffering.
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