When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a picture of utter destruction. Dwellings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, resulting in 32 deaths and affecting an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple things can activate them,” Ifill explains. “An individual mentioned a wheeled bin we often push through the passageways, whose clatter sounded like breaking wood and the fierce gales. She now refuses to experiencing that sound.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also affected parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now elicit trauma responses among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Economic Reconstruction
This disaster led to a significant recovery package worth up to up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra payment of millions from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. Yet, experts warn this monetary aid fails to account for the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although most attention is directed toward physical reconstruction, academic work over the recent years demonstrate that the risk of severe anxiety disorders rises substantially after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the inclusion of mental health support into disaster response plans across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Mental Health
Academics highlight how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services worsen emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Additional analysis found comparable fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has examined disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face a trio of emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in disaster studies, echoes this view. She notes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is not widely available.
The researchers found that women affected reported greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy says that while some short-term recovery in psychological state is often seen within a year, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors recover depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts note that the loss of homes and possessions can magnify the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the psychological damage, physical challenges persist. The hurricane wiped out critical water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of potable water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Vital Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research indicates that survivors often find community support to be more responsive than government assistance.
“Official action is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is slow, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She says she was “struck by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also commends steps to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
In recent years, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has led to the development of tools for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have published comprehensive manuals to help field workers in offering psychological care in the wake of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build psychological fortitude by training professionals, promoting openness, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Financial aid are also highlighted as crucial for safeguarding mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, emphasizes the despair that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we were not granted compensation,” he recounts.
A Plea for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Analysts observe that the Caribbean region contributes a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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