When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a picture of catastrophic damage. Residences, healthcare centers, and vital systems were destroyed, leading to 32 fatalities and impacting an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace sounds can activate them,” Ifill explains. “One woman described a wheeled bin we often push through the halls, whose sound sounded like cracking branches and the howling wind. She no longer wants to listening to that sound.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also struck parts of Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now cause trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event resulted in a massive aid package valued at billions of dollars over three years and an extra disbursement of $150 million from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. However, experts warn this financial relief does not address the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort is directed toward physical reconstruction, academic work over the last several years indicate that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rises significantly after climate disasters and losing one's home. Experts are now advocating for the integration of psychological care into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers stress how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care worsen emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after extreme weather. Another study documented comparable fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience several key mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in risk reduction, concurs. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors reported greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in well-being can happen within a year, the ultimate prognosis are still unclear. The extent to which survivors bounce back hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts see that the destruction of property and possessions can magnify the psychological burden to start over. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her patients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional impact, physical issues continue. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, hampering the complete restoration of potable water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.
Social Networks as a Vital Pillar
Critically is that material recovery cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies consistently finds that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, neighbors provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of social bonds in coping with disaster. She notes she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “Your house is gone, 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 warns about the dangers of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
A Growing International Focus
Recently, psychological support has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the worsening planetary changes. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has prompted the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have developed detailed resources to assist responders in offering psychosocial support in the immediate period of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to strengthen community and personal strength by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Economic resources are also highlighted as key for preserving psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, highlights the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But up to this day, we never got the promised help,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Integrated Healing
Analysts observe that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of planetary pollution yet endures extreme climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to prevent enduring trauma.
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