State and local agencies and volunteer organizations continue to respond to the devastation in Greensburg, caused by a tornado that struck the community Friday.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius declared a State of Disaster Emergency for Kiowa County.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are dealing with the devasting loss this storm has brought," Sebelius said.
The tornado was tracked through Comanche, Kiowa, Edwards, Stafford, Pratt and Barton Counties. Emergency management officials are getting damage estimates to access whether affected areas will qualify for a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Eight storm-related deaths were reported in Kiowa County. One person was reported killed in Stafford County, but it has now been determined that person was from Pratt County.
Early reports indicated the person was in Stafford County and was transported to Pratt County. Two other unconfirmed deaths have been reported.
Numerous injuries have also been reported. Sixteen persons are reported in critical condition and 50 people have been treated at area hospitals.
The American Red Cross has established two shelters in Haviland. Approximately 300 people were sheltered during the night. Red Cross officials are advising people concerned about the safety of friends and family to go American Red Cross website (www.redcross.org) and click on the �Safe and Well� link to enter information about the person being sought.
The Salvation Army is establishing a donations center, a social services center and a distribution center in Haviland. They are requesting donations of cash only at this time.
The Salvation Army has also established three canteens in Greensburg to feed storm victims and rescue workers.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating response and recovery operations. Soldiers and airmen from the Kansas National Guard are assisting with security, communications and shelter missions.
The Guardsmen are from the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, 891st Engineer Battalion and 184th Air Refueling Wing. The 134th Air Control Squadron is supplying two 120 kW generators to assist in search and rescue operations and 1,500 gallons of water.
Eighteen light sets from the 184th ARW have also been sent to Greensburg to provide light for response and recovery operations. The Pratt Kansas National Guard armory has been opened as a staging area for logistic support.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is also assisting with reestablishing communications and public safety issues.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has provided roadblocks and signage to keep out authorized persons from entering the area. KDOT is also involved in clearing debris from highways to so rescue vehicles can get into the affected areas. The State Fire Marshal is checking into any reported hazardous materials.
