Rolling Fork, MS – In a town struggling to bounce back from poverty and facing extreme weather conditions, stories of survival are emerging in the aftermath of deadly tornadoes that swept through the area.

Pastor of the local church, Mike Roberts, spoke to the Clarion Ledger, sharing his own story of loss. Roberts lost two of his homes to different tornados in just three months. However, despite the devastation, Roberts remains hopeful and focused on helping others in his community. “We are a resilient and strong community, and we’ll make it through this together,” he said.

However, it’s not just residents who are rising to the occasion. Restaurant owner, Mary Johnson, described the moment she saved her staff from one of the tornadoes. “I heard the roar, and I knew we needed to act fast,” she told ABC News. Johnson quickly huddled her staff into a safe room just moments before the tornado ripped through her business.

Meanwhile, in nearby areas, tragedy has struck. The extreme weather, compounded with poverty, has taken its toll. NBC News reports that several lives have been lost due to the tornadoes in Mississippi, and many families have been left with nothing.

Despite the devastation, many in the town of Rolling Fork are hoping to make a comeback. The New York Times reports that residents are pulling together to support each other, and community leaders are working to secure aid for those most in need.

“It’s been tough, but we’ll get through it,” said one resident. “We’ve been through tough times before, and we’ll come out stronger on the other side.”