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. Homes, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Commonplace sounds can trigger them,” Ifill states. “An individual described a wheeled bin we often roll through the corridors, whose clatter sounded like cracking branches and the howling wind. She now refuses to hearing that sound.”
A month and a half after the hurricane, which also affected parts of Cuba, recollections of the terrifying winds continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now cause panic among those who lived through it.
The Psychological Price Alongside Economic Reconstruction
This disaster led to a substantial financial package worth up to up to $6.7bn over several years and an further payment of $150m from a innovative disaster insurance instrument. But, specialists caution this financial relief cannot cover the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas most attention targets restoring buildings, research over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases markedly after major storms and displacement. Researchers are now urging the incorporation of mental health support into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Researchers stress how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Additional analysis found parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter three primary emotional obstacles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, agrees. She points out that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though comprehensive data is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors reported more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in well-being is often seen within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors recover is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and livelihoods can intensify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her clients: “People who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s much more severe in this aftermath.”
In addition to the mental impact, practical challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, slowing the full return of potable water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Social Support as a Essential Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Research shows that survivors often find social networks to be more effective than government assistance.
“State support is essential,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the value of social bonds in coping with disaster. She notes she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further praises steps to support emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, mental health has received more focus from world bodies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for trauma support.
Major health organizations have published detailed resources to train aid personnel in providing emotional aid in the immediate period of disasters. These projects aim to strengthen community and personal strength by building capacity, promoting openness, and facilitating the seeking of professional help.
Economic resources are also identified as key for preserving emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a previous flood, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “They came... But even now, we were not granted the promised help,” he states.
A Plea for Integrated Recovery
Experts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disastrous climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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