UPDATE: Widespread Damage but No Injuries After Tornado Hits Eureka - Governor Declares Disaster
EUREKA, Kan. (AP) - Officials say the southeastern Kansas town of Eureka has been hit by a tornado last (THUR) night that caused significant, widespread damage... but no injuries nor fatalities have been reported. Greenwood County Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson says there was significant structural damage, including damage to a local nursing home, mobile homes and a barn. Overnight, firefighters were going home to home to check on residents. People displaced from their homes have been taking shelter at the Eureka United Methodist Church. The National Weather Service says a tornado warning for Greenwood County was issued just after 9 o'clock last (THUR) night. The tornado hit Eureka about 45 minutes later.
Governor Sam Brownback has signed a State of Disaster Emergency declaration for Greenwood County, which will allow the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations. The tornado damaged approximately 50 residential homes and businesses. There are reports of multiple power outages in the county.
Kansas Division of Emergency Management staff will coordinate assistance to conduct in-depth damage assessments and assistance for debris management. A KDEM regional coordinator was sent to the county to provide assistance to local and county officials. At this time individuals are being asked to not self-deploy to the area. A Volunteer Reception Center will be coordinated through the United Way of the Plains.
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(original version)
EUREKA, Kan. (AP) — Emergency management officials say the southeastern town of Eureka has been hit by a tornado, which has caused widespread and significant damage. Greenwood County Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson tells The Wichita Eagle that there are no immediate reports of injuries. Vinson says people have been displaced from their homes and have been asked to take shelter at a local church. He says the American Red Cross is on its way to the scene. A nursing home and a hospital were reportedly hit by the tornado, causing damage. The National Weather Service says a tornado warning for Greenwood County was issued just after 9 Thursday night. The tornado hit Eureka around 9:45 p.m.
