When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a landscape of utter destruction. Homes, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were leveled, resulting in 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million people. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple sounds can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual mentioned a wheeled bin we often push through the passageways, whose sound sounded like splintering trees and the fierce gales. She now refuses to hearing that sound.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also struck eastern Cuba, memories 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 panic among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Billions in Damage
This disaster led to a massive financial package totaling up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra payment of $150m from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. Yet, specialists caution this economic assistance does not address the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward physical reconstruction, studies over the past three years indicate that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows significantly after climate disasters and displacement. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Mental Health
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article identified a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Further research found similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has examined disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter three primary psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women experienced more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in well-being can happen within a year of the event, the ultimate prognosis remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors heal is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.
The experts see that the being rendered homeless and resources can intensify the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her patients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have found it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional damage, physical challenges continue. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, slowing the full return of water services. Insurance payouts, while crucial, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Community Support as a Critical Foundation
A key finding is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Research shows that survivors frequently report social networks to be more responsive than official aid.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is slow, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill notes the strength of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She says she was “struck by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges efforts to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of consuming endless negative news. “The guidance included curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
Over the past decade, mental health has received more focus from world bodies due to the intensifying climate crisis. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has prompted the development of guidelines for trauma support.
Major health organizations have developed practical guides to train aid personnel in providing psychological care in the wake of traumatic events. These efforts aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by training professionals, reducing shame, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Monetary resources are also identified as key for safeguarding emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, emphasizes the frustration that arises when official support fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But even now, we did not receive the promised help,” he says.
A Plea for Integrated Healing
Experts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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