Mayor and funeral director Eldridge Walker recalls the devastating tornado that wreaked havoc on the town of Rolling Fork in Mississippi on March 24th. The twister resulted in the loss of 17 lives, and more than 165 individuals were injured. It caused significant damage to numerous homes, City Hall, fire and police stations, post office, elementary and high schools, as well as the hospital. The total cost of damages is estimated to exceed $100 million.
Nine months later, Rolling Fork is still in the process of recovering from the destruction. However, the recovery has been slow, and many individuals are still waiting for aid from the federal government. Despite some national media attention and coverage by Good Morning America, progress has been hindered. Walker remains dedicated to aiding in the recovery process as long as he serves as the town’s mayor.
The horrors of the disaster have been overlooked as the media has shifted its focus to other climate-related events. Recent years have witnessed an increase in extreme weather events, with 2023 being one of the most catastrophic years by some measures. The number of weather events causing damage exceeding a billion dollars is on the rise, and this trend is projected to continue.
Despite challenges, help is on the way, as the U.S. is investing more than ever in climate adaptation and resilience measures. In 2023, FEMA allocated more than $2 billion to assist communities in safeguarding against natural disasters. The country’s commitment to improving resilience in the face of climate change indicates a hopeful future despite the ongoing challenges of climate-related disasters.
