Mississippi Town Rebuilds After Devastating Tornado

2024

Rolling Fork, Mississippi, was forever changed when a deadly tornado tore through the town, leaving a path of destruction and tragedy in its wake. For the Cartlidge family, the storm was a harrowing experience that shattered their home and nearly took their lives.

Ida Cartlidge, holding her 1-year-old son, Nolan, tightly in her arms, huddled with her family as the tornado ripped through their mobile home. In an instant, their home was gone, and the family was left injured and displaced.

The tornado, which struck last March, claimed the lives of 14 residents and left Rolling Fork in ruins. The town, already grappling with high poverty rates and economic challenges, faced a long and difficult road to recovery.

For the Cartlidge family, the months that followed were spent in a cramped motel room, as they searched for a new place to call home. With limited resources and few options, they, like many others in Rolling Fork, struggled to find stable housing and employment.

The tornado not only destroyed homes and businesses but also took a toll on the town's infrastructure. Public buildings were damaged, streets were left impassable, and the local high school remains closed, forcing students to travel to neighboring towns for classes.

Despite the challenges, the people of Rolling Fork have shown remarkable resilience. Nonprofits, the state, and the federal government have stepped in to provide assistance, offering hope to those struggling to rebuild their lives.

For the Cartlidge family, a new beginning came in the form of a renovated trailer near downtown Rolling Fork. As they settled into their new home, they reflected on the journey that brought them here and the challenges that lie ahead.

Rolling Fork may never be the same after the tornado, but its residents are determined to rebuild and create a better future for themselves and their community. The road ahead may be long, but with perseverance and unity, Rolling Fork will rise again.