When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on the 28th of October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a scene of catastrophic damage. Homes, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple occurrences can activate them,” Ifill explains. “One woman mentioned a trolley we often move through the corridors, whose clatter sounded like splintering trees and the roaring storm. She now refuses to hearing that sound.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now elicit panic among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event triggered a significant financial package worth up to billions of dollars over three years and an additional payout of $150 million from a pioneering catastrophe bond. However, authorities note this monetary aid does not address the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those still recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus is directed toward physical reconstruction, studies over the last several years indicate that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows markedly after hurricanes and forced relocation. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Mental Health
Scholars stress how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article warned of a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis found parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of emotional obstacles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in risk reduction, agrees. She points out that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though extensive research is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women showed greater psychological suffering than men. “This suggests women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in mental health is often seen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes 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 being rendered homeless and resources can magnify the psychological burden to rebuild. 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 same pattern among her those seeking help: “Those who had mental health conditions before have found it’s significantly worse in this aftermath.”
Apart from the mental toll, practical problems remain. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, delaying the full return of water services. Monetary relief, while helpful, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Social Networks as a Critical Lifeline
A key finding is that material recovery fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Research indicates that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the value of social bonds in coping with disaster. She says she was “moved by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she praises efforts to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the dangers of doomscrolling. “The guidance included reducing screen time, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing International Focus
In recent years, psychological support has received more focus from global organizations due to the worsening climate emergency. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
International bodies have published detailed resources to help field workers in delivering psychosocial support in the aftermath of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Financial resources are also highlighted as crucial for protecting emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, emphasizes the frustration that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Officials visited... But to this date, we did not receive the promised help,” he says.
A Plea for Comprehensive Healing
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of global emissions yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent prolonged suffering.
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