When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a landscape of widespread ruin. Residences, healthcare centers, and key utilities were leveled, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple sounds can activate them,” Ifill states. “One woman spoke of a cart we often push through the halls, whose noise evoked memories of splintering trees and the roaring storm. She now refuses to listening to that auditory reminder.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also struck eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event continue to haunt some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now prompt trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event resulted in a significant financial package totaling up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra payout of $150 million from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this monetary aid cannot cover the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although most attention centers on rebuilding infrastructure, academic work over the last several years demonstrate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders grows substantially after hurricanes and losing one's home. Mental health professionals are now calling for the inclusion of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across the region.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Scholars stress how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article identified a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Further research documented comparable psychological turmoil among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face three primary psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, agrees. She notes that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though comprehensive data is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women showed higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in well-being may occur within a year, the lasting effects are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors recover depends heavily on the specific triggers and the care they receive.
The experts see that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the psychological burden to start over. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her patients: “People who had pre-existing mental health challenges have reported it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the emotional toll, tangible issues continue. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, hampering the complete restoration of clean water. Monetary relief, while helpful, are insufficient to fix the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Social Support as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis consistently finds that survivors frequently report social networks to be more effective than government assistance.
“State support is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, neighbors provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the strength of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further praises efforts to support emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
A Growing International Focus
In recent years, psychological support has become a higher priority from global organizations due to the intensifying climate emergency. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has led to the development of guidelines for trauma support.
Major health organizations have released comprehensive manuals to assist aid personnel in offering psychosocial support in the aftermath of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to strengthen community and personal strength by building capacity, reducing shame, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Financial aid are also highlighted as fundamental for safeguarding psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when official support is not delivered. “Officials visited... But even now, we never got the promised help,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Experts note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of global emissions yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to mitigate prolonged suffering.
“The current situation and our systems do not match|cor
