When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a scene of widespread ruin. Dwellings, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were leveled, causing 32 fatalities and impacting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple sounds can activate them,” Ifill notes. “One woman spoke of a trolley we often push through the halls, whose noise reminded her of breaking wood and the fierce gales. She now refuses to hearing that particular noise.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted eastern Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to haunt many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of rain can now cause panic among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Billions in Damage
This disaster led to a substantial recovery package totaling up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an additional payment of millions from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. However, experts warn this economic assistance fails to account for the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward restoring buildings, academic work over the past three years indicate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders rises substantially after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across the region.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Scholars emphasize how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support amplify emotional distress. A recent regional study warned of a heightened danger of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis documented similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, mental health is becoming an major issue—although comprehensive data is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women reported more severe emotional impact than men. “This suggests women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in mental health can happen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors recover hinges on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts observe that the loss of homes and livelihoods can magnify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her clients: “People who had pre-existing mental health challenges have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the psychological damage, practical challenges remain. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, slowing the complete restoration of water services. Insurance payouts, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.
Community Support as a Essential Lifeline
Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Studies consistently finds that survivors frequently report social networks to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, local people support one another.”
Ifill notes the strength of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to support emotional well-being after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and turning to apps to maintain social support.”
An Expanding Global Recognition
In recent years, mental health has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the escalating planetary changes. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has prompted the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have released detailed resources to help field workers in providing emotional aid in the wake of disasters. These initiatives aim to foster individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Economic support are also identified as fundamental for preserving emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we never got any payment,” he states.
A Call for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Experts note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent enduring trauma.
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