USA – Disaster Emergency Declared After Flooding in Kansas

by in News, USA

Kansas Governor, Jeff Colyer MD, issued a state of disaster emergency declaration for five Kansas counties affected by flooding from 02 to 04 September, 2018.

Named in the declaration are Jewell, Kingman, Marshall, Pratt, and Riley Counties. The declaration allows for possible state and federal aid. It also opens up opportunities for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with government agency costs associated with disasters.

Via Social Media, Governor Colyer said “Here in Kansas we make it a priority to take care of our neighbors. Those impacted by the recent flooding have our full support and we will continue to do whatever is needed to help during this time of emergency.”

An estimated 300 people were displaced by the flooding, with areas around Manhattan worst affected. As of 05 September, around 28 people had been unable to return to their homes and were staying in Red Cross shelters.

Manhattan Fire Department said they rescued or evacuated over 150 people.

Bridges and roads were closed and power supply was cut for around 700 properties. As of 05 September, some homes and businesses were still without power in locations where it was deemed unsafe for electricity.

National Weather Service in Topeka said that 9.31 inches (236.47 mm) of rain was recorded in a location near Manhattan, and 6.77 inchea (171.96mm) near Marysville.

The heavy rain caused Wildcat Creek near Manhattan to break its banks. Levels of the creek rose dramatically on 02 September, from around 2 feet to over 24 feet in the space of a few hours.

Rainfall in Kansas. Image: NWS Topeka
Wildcat Creek, Manhattan, KS. Image: NWS
Floods in Manhattan, Kansas 03 September, 2018. Credit: City of Manhattan KS
Floods in Riley County, Kansas 03 September, 2018. Credit: Riley County PD
Flood damage in Kansas, September 2018. Credit: Kansas Dept Health and Environment
Floods in Manhattan, Kansas 03 September, 2018. Credit: Riley County PD

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