When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it resulted in a landscape of widespread ruin. Residences, healthcare centers, and vital systems were destroyed, resulting in 32 fatalities and affecting an estimated 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple sounds can activate them,” Ifill explains. “A patient mentioned a trolley we often roll through the halls, whose noise evoked memories of splintering trees and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to hearing that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the storm, which also impacted parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now elicit trauma responses among survivors.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a substantial aid package worth up to billions of dollars over three years and an further payout of $150m from a innovative disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this economic assistance cannot cover the unseen cost: widespread trauma—notably among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although most attention targets restoring buildings, studies over the past three years demonstrate that the risk of PTSD grows significantly after climate disasters and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now calling for the inclusion of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Researchers stress how long-term dislocation, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support exacerbate emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Further research found parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face several key emotional obstacles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, concurs. She points out that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is not widely available.
The researchers found that female survivors experienced more severe emotional impact than male counterparts. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in psychological state is often seen within a year, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors heal is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and resources can intensify the emotional challenge to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her patients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have reported it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”
Beyond the emotional damage, tangible challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of potable water. Monetary relief, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Social Support as a Essential Lifeline
Critically is that material recovery fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Research consistently finds that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more responsive than bureaucratic help.
“State support is important,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill notes the value of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She notes she was “struck by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further commends initiatives to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
An Increasing International Focus
In recent years, psychological support has become a higher priority from global organizations due to the intensifying planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of guidelines for trauma support.
International bodies have published detailed resources to train aid personnel in offering emotional aid in the aftermath of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to foster individual and social resilience by building capacity, reducing shame, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Financial resources are also underlined as crucial for preserving emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, highlights the frustration that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “Officials visited... But even now, we did not receive the promised help,” he says.
An Appeal for Holistic Recovery
Analysts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of global emissions yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to mitigate enduring trauma.
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