Suiko Roper
Jacksonville Alabama Tornado Oral History Collection
On March 19, 2018, an EF-3 tornado devastated the City of Jacksonville, Alabama, and had a significant impact on the campus of Jacksonville State University (JSU). Using an oral history approach, a team of researchers from JSU's Center for Disaster and Community Resilience (CDCR) conducted in-depth interviews with 25 residents of Jacksonville who experienced the EF-3 tornado. Interviews took place in the Houston Cole Library, were conducted in private, and lasted approximately 90 minutes each. An article was published in 2022 based on the tornado oral history project in the Weather, Climate, and Society journal by the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
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On February 25, 2019, Erin Rider interviewed Suiko Roper for the Jacksonville Tornado Oral History Project. Roper shares her experiences of losing her home and possessions due to the tornado that hit Jacksonville, Alabama, on March 19, 2018. At the time of the tornado, Roper was at home with her family, and they sought shelter in their basement. She vividly recalls the sound of the sirens, the panic of her daughter on the phone, and the terror as the tornado hit her home, causing extensive damage. In the interview, Roper reflects on the physical and emotional toll of the disaster. She describes the structural damage to her house, particularly the roof and walls, and the immediate aftermath, including the struggle to salvage belongings amid ongoing rain and flooding. The interview delves into her interactions with the insurance company, the challenges of dealing with deductibles, and the complex process of filing claims. Roper discusses the financial and emotional hardships that followed, including her inability to rebuild due to insufficient insurance coverage. Roper also touches on the kindness of strangers and the community’s response to the disaster. She recounts how the Red Cross provided immediate assistance, and various groups donated supplies and support. Despite the devastation, Roper maintains a hopeful outlook and highlights the importance of helping others in need. The interview ends with Roper reflecting on the loss of her home, the emotional impact on her family, and her determination to rebuild her life despite the many challenges she faced.
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