Kansas governor declares disaster emergency following Wyandotte County storms
Following severe weather that damaged parts of Wyandotte County, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation.
Kelly issued the verbal proclamation on Friday.
“We know the people of Wyandotte County are facing a long road to recovery after these devastating storms,” Kelly said. “Our priority is making sure residents have the support and resources they need to safely clean up, restore power, and begin rebuilding.”
The governor said state officials will continue working with local officials and emergency responders in Wyandotte County.
Over 18,000 were without power at one point in the county.
Clean-up, power restoration continue in Kansas City, Kansas
Some KCK residents were facing their fourth day without power on Saturday.
Janice Williams, a local resident without electricity, shared her struggles.
"Not just me. Everybody there, they counting on people to help you out, and you don't get the help," she said. "My medication has to be on ice all the time, too, so it's really, really hard."
An emergency disaster declaration has been issued, underscoring the need for generators and other resources.
BPU crews are working around the clock to restore power.
Residents like Williams are feeling the impact of the prolonged outage.
"It's been, like devastating to me," she said.
The Village Initiative, a local organization, emphasized the need for more volunteers and donations to assist with providing water, food, and cooling resources for those still without power off Brown Avenue in Kansas City.
Volunteer efforts continue on Sunday
As of Saturday night, nearly 5,000 KCK residents remained without power.
City officials are hoping that licensed electricians, electrical contractors, roofers and other tradespeople are available to help with repairs.
On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be another volunteer effort.
Those interested can check in at the Village Initiative, located at 3004 N. 27th Street.
Final closed Kansas City, Kansas, to head back to class
Welborn Elementary School, the last school closed due to power outages and storm damage, will be back open on Monday.
The district said students and staff should report at their normal times on Monday.
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