Rescuers still recovering tornado victims
Originally published 12:39 a.m., May 5, 2007
Updated 02:54 p.m., May 5, 2007
GREENSBURG, Kan. - The tornado death toll in Southwest Kansas continues to rise, with emergency officials now reporting at least nine deaths as a result of the massive tornado which struck Greensburg, KS Friday night.
Sharon Watson, a spokesman for the Kansas Adjutant General's Department, said one victim was a sheriff's deputy responding to the storm in nearby Stafford County.
The other eight were killed in Kiowa County, home to the town of Greensburg; the community hardest hit when tornadoes struck the area Friday.
Officials said it could be days before all of the victims are pulled from the rubble. City Administrator Steve Hewitt said 95 percent of the town was destroyed by the storm.
Safe and Well
Due to widespread power and telecommunication outages, family and friends may not be able to reach each other. If you have been affected by the tornado, please visit www.redcross.org and click on ‘Safe and Well’ to inform your loved ones of your well-being. This secure website provides a way for you to identify yourself as "safe and well." From a list of standard messages, you can select those you want to communicate to your family members - who may be worried about your safety. If you hear from a loved one in the affected area, you can input their information so other family members will also know their well-being.
To make matters worse, a fresh wave of tornadoes ripped through Southwest Kansas less than a day after the first round of tornoadoes hit. The National Weather Service says it received reports "well into the double digits" of twisters touching down in six counties. Among them were a series of half-mile wide "wedge" tornadoes, similar to the one that devastated Greensburg Friday night.
Emergency crews called off the search in Greensburg for victims as the weather deteriorated Saturday. Rescuers had spent the day hurrying through the wreckage from Friday’s giant tornado, which left little standing beyond the local pub.
Among those who lost their homes in Friday's storm was State Representative Dennis McKinney. McKinney was helping neighbors right after the storm.
The governor has declared a state of disaster for the county. She will visit the devastated area Sunday afternoon. Tune in Sunday to 49 News at 10 for that story.
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