When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a landscape of utter destruction. Residences, hospitals, and vital systems were leveled, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple sounds can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “One woman described a wheeled bin we often push through the corridors, whose sound sounded like breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to hearing that sound.”
A month and a half after the hurricane, which also struck parts of Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now cause trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Billions in Damage
This disaster resulted in a massive aid package totaling $6.7 billion over a three-year period and an further payout of millions from a innovative risk financing tool. But, experts warn this financial relief fails to account for the unseen cost: widespread trauma—especially among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although the primary focus targets restoring buildings, studies over the recent years indicate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders increases substantially after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now urging the incorporation of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Insecurity and Emotional Stability
Scholars highlight how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support exacerbate mental health risks. A recent regional study warned of a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Another study recorded similar psychological turmoil among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face a trio of psychological hurdles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in risk reduction, echoes this view. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected showed higher mental distress than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males in such catastrophes,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some short-term recovery in well-being is often seen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors recover hinges on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and possessions can heighten the psychological burden to start over. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her patients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Beyond the mental toll, tangible problems continue. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, delaying the full return of potable water. Financial aid, while crucial, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Community Support as a Critical Pillar
A key finding is that rebuilding alone does not address the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Studies consistently finds that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more responsive than official aid.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the strength of social bonds in coping with disaster. She notes she was “struck by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also acknowledges efforts to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Global Recognition
Recently, mental health has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the worsening planetary changes. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have published practical guides to train responders in providing psychosocial support in the wake of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by building capacity, promoting openness, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Economic resources are also highlighted as key for protecting psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, highlights the frustration that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we never got any payment,” he says.
A Call for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Experts argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of global emissions yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed vital to prevent prolonged suffering.
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