🔗 Share this article

When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a picture of catastrophic damage. Homes, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were leveled, resulting in 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 instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.

“Simple occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill states. “An individual spoke of a wheeled bin we often push through the corridors, whose clatter evoked memories of breaking wood and the roaring storm. She now refuses to listening to that sound.”

Weeks after the storm, which also affected neighboring Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now prompt panic among those who lived through it.

The Hidden Toll Alongside Billions in Damage

The catastrophic event led to a significant recovery package totaling up to $6.7bn over several years and an additional disbursement of millions from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. Yet, authorities note this financial relief fails to account for the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

Whereas most attention centers on rebuilding infrastructure, academic work over the last several years show that the probability of PTSD rises substantially after climate disasters and losing one's home. Experts are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.

Increased Risks: Displacement and Psychological Well-being

Academics stress how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study warned of a clear threat of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Another study found parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people affected by tropical cyclones.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face three primary psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an major issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.

The researchers found that women showed higher mental distress than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.

The Difficult Journey to Healing

Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in psychological state is often seen within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The likelihood to which survivors heal is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.

The experts observe that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the emotional challenge to start over. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.

Ifill observes the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have found it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”

Apart from the psychological toll, tangible challenges remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of water services. Monetary relief, while helpful, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.

Grassroots Networks as a Vital Pillar

Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis consistently finds that survivors often find social networks to be more effective than government assistance.

“Official action is crucial,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, local people support one another.”

Ifill similarly praises the strength of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the positive attitude” among resilient populations. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they share laughter about the storm.”

She further commends steps to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the dangers of constant exposure to traumatic media. “The guidance included reducing screen time, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”

A Growing Regional Priority

Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from world bodies due to the intensifying climate crisis. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of frameworks for mental health response.

Regional institutions have developed practical guides to help field workers in providing psychosocial support in the aftermath of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by training professionals, combating stigma, and promoting the use of mental health services.

Economic support are also highlighted as crucial for protecting psychological recovery. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, highlights the hopelessness that arises when official support never arrives. “Officials visited... But up to this day, we were not granted any payment,” he states.

A Plea for Integrated Rebuilding

Experts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to mitigate prolonged suffering.

“Local conditions and our systems do not match|cor