News from
The Adjutant General's Department

CONTACT:
Sharon Watson
Director, Public Affairs Office
Work: (785) 274-1192
Cell: (785) 806-4063
http://www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   May 7, 2007

No. 07-063

UPDATE TO FLOODING AND TORNADO RESPONSE

Local, state and federal emergency management agencies are continuing to respond to an increasing number of weather-related incidents across the state of Kansas today. State emergency management officials are working with a number of states in response to a request for Individual Assistance officers under the nationwide Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The State of Mississippi is working with Kansas on providing assistance from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Search and rescue operations are continuing in response to the tornado that struck the community of Greensburg, Kansas on Friday, May 4.

The death toll stands at 10 in Greensburg area as a result of the tornado. One additional death occurred in Pratt County as a result of the same tornado that hit Greensburg. Another death in Ottawa County was caused by a tornado the evening of May 5.

On Sunday morning, May 6, search and rescue canine teams found one individual alive in the debris in Greensburg. There have been no injuries or fatalities that have been reported as a result of flooding in any other area.

Heavy rains throughout the weekend have caused widespread flooding across Kansas. Nine counties Harper, Osage, Lincoln, Riley, Barton, Shawnee, Leavenworth, Washington and Doniphan - have declared local disaster emergencies due to flooding.
People wanting to volunteer to assist with the flooding and tornado response need to coordinate their assistance through their local county Emergency Operations Centers. The county EOCs will coordinate through the state EOC to ensure that any assistance is being directed to those areas where the needs are the greatest.

At the present time, officials report that monetary donations are needed for those impacted by these storms. Those donations can be made through the American Red Cross at 785-234-0568 or the Salvation Army by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or at www.armykettle.com. Only cash contributions are currently needed for those impacted by the storms. Contributions of clothing and other commodities are not needed at the present time.

The United Way in Kansas has a call center for persons wishing to donate or volunteer. In Kansas, dial 211 or call 1-888-413-4327.

In all cases, please note that the money is to be designated for those affected by the Greensburg tornado or other weather-related disasters.

Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the weather-related situation in their communities through their local media outlets. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

People needing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency may call 1-800-621-FEMA or go to the FEMA website www.fema.gov

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