When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a landscape of utter destruction. Residences, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million people. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday things can provoke them,” Ifill states. “An individual spoke of a cart we often push through the halls, whose sound reminded her of breaking wood and the howling wind. She has become averse to hearing that sound.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also affected eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now elicit panic among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event triggered a massive aid package worth up to up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra disbursement of $150 million from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. Yet, specialists caution this financial relief fails to account for the invisible cost: widespread trauma—especially among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort targets physical reconstruction, studies over the last several years show that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rises substantially after climate disasters and forced relocation. Experts are now calling for the integration of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care amplify mental health risks. A recent regional study identified a significant risk of severe mental health issues after extreme weather. Another study found similar psychological turmoil among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of mental health challenges: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that women affected reported higher mental distress than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in mental health is often seen within a year, the lasting effects are still unclear. The extent to which survivors heal hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and livelihoods can magnify the psychological burden to recover. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Those who had mental health conditions before have found it’s significantly worse in this aftermath.”
Apart from the emotional toll, tangible issues continue. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of clean water. Insurance payouts, while crucial, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Vital Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Studies consistently finds that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.
“State support is important,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, neighbors provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the value of mutual support in coping with disaster. She notes she was “struck by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises initiatives to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the dangers of doomscrolling. “I recommended limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Recently, mental health has received more focus from world bodies due to the worsening planetary changes. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has led to the development of tools for mental health response.
International bodies have developed detailed resources to train field workers in delivering psychosocial support in the wake of disasters. These efforts aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by training professionals, promoting openness, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Monetary support are also highlighted as key for safeguarding mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, emphasizes the frustration that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “They came... But even now, we did not receive the promised help,” he says.
A Call for Comprehensive Recovery
Experts argue that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to avoid enduring trauma.
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