When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a scene of catastrophic damage. Homes, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple things can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “An individual mentioned a trolley we often push through the halls, whose sound reminded her of splintering trees and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to listening to that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also impacted neighboring Cuba, recollections of the terrifying winds continue to haunt some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of rain can now cause panic among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Financial Losses
The catastrophic event triggered a substantial aid package worth up to billions of dollars over a three-year period and an additional payment of $150m from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. But, experts warn this financial relief does not address the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward restoring buildings, research over the past three years show that the risk of severe anxiety disorders increases significantly after climate disasters and losing one's home. Experts are now urging the incorporation of psychological care into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Academics emphasize how prolonged homelessness, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support worsen emotional distress. A recent regional study flagged a significant risk of severe mental health issues after extreme weather. Another study recorded similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic 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 professor in risk reduction, agrees. She points out that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though comprehensive data is not widely available.
These experts found that women experienced greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in mental health may occur within a year of the event, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors heal is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts note that the destruction of property and resources can intensify the emotional challenge to recover. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill sees the parallel situation among her clients: “People who had mental health conditions before have noticed it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
Apart from the psychological toll, physical challenges persist. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, hampering the complete restoration of clean water. Monetary relief, while helpful, are insufficient to fix the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Vital Lifeline
A key finding is that material recovery fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Research indicates that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is essential,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She recalls being “moved by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further commends initiatives to support emotional well-being after the disaster but cautions about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Recently, mental health has received more focus from international agencies due to the worsening climate crisis. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has prompted the development of tools for mental health response.
Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to assist responders in offering psychological care in the immediate period of catastrophes. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, combating stigma, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Financial support are also underlined as crucial for preserving emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, emphasizes the despair that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we were not granted the promised help,” he states.
An Appeal for Holistic Recovery
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region contributes a tiny fraction of planetary pollution yet endures extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to prevent prolonged suffering.
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