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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2008 No. 08-054 STRONG STORMS AND TORNADOS KILL TWO IN NORTHEAST KANSAS Tornadoes throughout northeast Kansas Wednesday night resulted in two
deaths, numerous injuries, and significant damages to homes, businesses
and buildings in several counties. A woman was killed in the town of Chapman in Dickinson County. She was
found outside in a yard. A man was killed outside the town of Soldier
in Jackson County. He was found outside of his mobile home. Dickinson County A tornado estimated to be a half mile wide hit the town of Chapman approximately
10:20 p.m. touching down on the southwest corner, moving through the center
of town, and on to the northeast side of Chapman. Ambulances were brought
in from nearby counties to assist in Chapman, and more ambulances were
brought in through MERG, the Medical Emergency Response Group in the south
central region. State support to Chapman Local officials in the town of Chapman requested the state provide an incident management team to assist them with response along with additional law enforcement to help with security. The Kansas National Guard is providing security support and also supplying a generator to run the water supply to ensure firefighters have water. Gas and power have been shut off in the town as a precaution to prevent incidents. Local officials have also asked for assistance with removal of downed
trees and power lines from streets. Entrance to the town has been closed
to the public to ensure the emergency crews have access in and out of
the area. The Kansas Department of Transportation's Communications on Wheels is
operational in Chapman to support emergency communications needs and serve
as the incident command communication system. The Kansas Highway Patrol's
mobile command has also arrived in Chapman. According to the American Red Cross, 60 homes were destroyed in Chapman,
another 28 sustained major damage, and 30 more have minor damage. A shelter
has been established in Sterl Hall in Abilene and victims will be brought
to the shelter by bus. Another shelter has been opened at Webster Conference
Center (in Salina). Preliminary reports indicate at least 200 people have
been displaced. Jackson County In Jackson County, where one individual died, at least four homes were
destroyed according to the American Red Cross. Homes were heavily damaged
east of Soldier along 270th Road. A shelter was established at the fire
department in Soldier. Highway 62 is closed to the public and the county
is checking on residents door to door. Many trees and power lines are
down across roads. The tornado path traveled from 254 & C Road to
Hwy 16 and angled north to 286 & I Road. Riley County In Riley County, the city of Manhattan sustained extensive tornado damages
resulting in some injuries. The tornado stretched from the southwest side
of Manhattan, near the Manhattan Airport, and continued northeast through
the center of town. Trees and power lines are down. Kansas State University
sustained damage to several buildings. At least 100 people are seeking
shelter in Portoff Hall in Manhattan according to the American Red Cross.
A preliminary search has been completed, and the Kansas Highway Patrol
will conduct a search and rescue flyover at daylight. Saline County The Saline County Emergency Manager is reporting damage to at least two
structures with many downed power lines and downed trees and many power
outages. Structures damaged in Saline County include Phillips Lighting
plant, a hotel, the Crestwood Cabinet plant, and a retirement home. No
injuries are reported at this time. State EOC activated The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka was activated Wednesday
evening to assist counties and will remain operational 24/7 as long as
necessary. -30- |
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