Flood damage in Southeast Kansas
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback is warning people in southeast Kansas to be careful not to be caught in flood waters.
Brownback said at a press conference Friday that several reservoirs in that part of the state are at flood stages and there is already flooding in low-lying areas. He urged caution, emphasizing that the situation could get worse with more rain expected.
He signed a proclamation for 44 Kansas counties due to damages to public infrastructure caused by recent storms and flooding. The proclamation cites thunderstorms accompanied by isolated tornadoes, high winds, large hail, lightning, and torrential rains moved across the state resulting in wind damage, flooding and flash flooding to public infrastructure and critical services.
The proclamation period began May 4 and continues as long as severe thunderstorms and flooding conditions are occurring. County and state damage assessments are currently in progress and it is impossible in some areas still underwater to safely assess and determine the extent of damage.
“We are fortunate there has been no loss of life from these storms,” said Brownback. “This proclamation will begin the process of helping the counties affected by severe weather to identify damages and begin restoring vital infrastructure.”
Named in the declaration are Allen, Anderson, Barton, Butler, Chase, Cheyenne, Cherokee, Clay, Coffey, Cowley, Doniphan, Edwards, Elk, Gray, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jefferson, Labette, Leavenworth, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, McPherson, Marion, Meade, Miami, Nemaha, Osage, Rawlins, Reno, Rice, Republic, Saline, Sherman, Stafford, Seward, Stevens, Sumner, Wabaunsee and Washington counties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared storms across the border in Oklahoma to be a major disaster.