Tornado damage assessments begin
June 2, 2025
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas has begun federal damage assessments in 11 counties hit by severe storms in May as the state seeks potential disaster assistance, officials announced Thursday.
FEMA Region VII and Kansas Division of Emergency Management staff are conducting joint Public Assistance Program Preliminary Damage Assessments following severe thunderstorms that brought straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding to the state.
The affected counties are Bourbon, Cheyenne, Edwards, Gove, Kiowa, Logan, Pratt, Reno, Scott, Sheridan and Stafford.
Assessment teams will evaluate damage to public infrastructure including roads, bridges and utilities to determine whether the counties meet federal thresholds for disaster assistance.
The preliminary damage assessment process helps FEMA gather information to determine whether to recommend a disaster declaration to the president, who makes the final decision on declaring a major presidential disaster.
Data collected during the assessment plays a significant role in determining whether Kansas can formally request a presidential disaster declaration. If granted, the declaration would outline which geographic areas qualify for federal disaster assistance and specify available aid types.
The assessment process also contributes to shaping long-term recovery strategies to ensure affected communities receive necessary resources for rebuilding.
A presidential disaster declaration would make federal funding available to help local governments repair damaged infrastructure and assist with recovery costs from the May storms.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET THE HUTCHINSON CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sponsors (click me!)
