"When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185mph winds, destroying homes, hospitals and infrastructure, killing 32 people and affecting 1.5 million, Toni-Jan Ifill immediately realised it would leave many with long-term traumatic memories. A month and a half after the storm, which also affected eastern Cuba, the clinical psychologist says recollections of the terrifying winds also haunt some of the staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston."
"While most attention focuses on physical reconstruction, studies over the past three years show that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risks increase after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are calling for the integration of mental health into climate-disaster policy across Caribbean small island developing states. Researchers emphasise how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods and inadequate services worsen mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a significant risk of PTSD, depression and anxiety after climate-related events."
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185mph winds, destroying homes, hospitals and infrastructure, killing 32 people and affecting 1.5 million. Survivors report long-term traumatic memories and sensory triggers such as rain or corridor trolleys that recreate storm sounds. Financial packages including up to $6.7bn over three years and a catastrophe bond payout partially address estimated $9bn economic losses. Funding focuses on physical reconstruction, leaving widespread mental-health impacts under-addressed. Studies show increased PTSD, depression and anxiety risks after hurricanes, amplified by extended displacement, livelihood loss and inadequate services. Experts call for mental health integration into Caribbean climate-disaster policy.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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