EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNDERWAY IN EUREKA
Search and rescue efforts continue in Eureka and local officials are conducting damage assessments following tornado damage last evening.
Westar crews have arrived in Eureka and will be cutting power while working towards restoration. They are working diligently to restore power.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed Highway 54 from mile marker 287 to mile marker 266 and will be manning the detour.
Two KDEM Public Assistance representatives and one Kansas Department of Health and Environment representative arrived in Eureka to start debris damage assessment.
Search and Rescue teams are on-site and are assisting local authorities.
The American Red Cross is asking anyone affected by the tornado to register at their Safe and Well website at https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. The Safe and Well website can also be used to check on family members in the affected area.
A tornado struck the community of Eureka in Greenwood County at approximately 7:31 p.m., June 26. Search and rescue efforts are underway and local officials are conducting damage assessments.
Gov. Jeff Colyer declared a State of Disaster Emergency proclamation at 8:33 p.m. Greenwood County declared a state of local disaster. The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka was activated to coordinate the response of state agencies. Personnel from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management are in contact with Greenwood County emergency management officials to respond to requests for assistance.
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter for displaced residents at the Methodist Church, 521 N. Main Street in Eureka.
The Kansas Highway Patrol was on the scene and providing security and manning roadblocks.
Last night there were are approximately 5,700 Westar Energy customers that are without power.
State agencies that are represented in the State Emergency Operations Center include the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, the Kansas National Guard, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Fire Marshal and Department of Children and Family Services
.The Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM), a division of The Adjutant General’s Department, is asking all concerned citizens wishing to assist with rescue and recovery efforts in Eureka to please stay home until asked.