Kansas Governor Kelly Issues Disaster Emergency for Widespread Flooding

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly declared a state of disaster emergency due to heavy rainfall causing flooding and flash flooding across the state, enabling the mobilization of resources for state assistance. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has partially activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka to monitor flood activity and coordinate support to affected counties. Governor Kelly emphasized the dangers of floodwaters, urging drivers to 'turn around, don’t drown' when encountering water on roadways. Meanwhile, former Governor Jeff Colyer and other rural lawmakers toured tornado-damaged areas in central and western Kansas, urging Governor Kelly to issue disaster declarations for Gove, Reno, Pratt, and Stafford Counties to accelerate relief efforts. They called for the deployment of mobile workforce centers, activation of the National Guard for debris removal, suspension of certain regulations to speed cleanup, and promotion of property tax relief for disaster victims. These developments reflect ongoing efforts to address both flooding and tornado impacts in Kansas, with calls for immediate and compassionate state leadership.