Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, along with fellow Kansas lawmakers including Sen. Roger Marshall and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann, Derek Schmidt, Sharice Davids, and Ron Estes, has called on President Trump to issue a disaster declaration for Kansas after severe storms struck the state from June 3 to June 7, 2025. The request follows formal action by Governor Laura Kelly on August 6 seeking federal support.

The delegation wrote in support of the governor’s request: “We write today in support of Governor Laura Kelly’s request for a major disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from June 3 through June 7, 2025,” adding that “The aftermath of these natural disasters has left lasting impacts on the communities affected beyond when the storms have taken place.”

According to their letter: “According to the National Weather Service, the state of Kansas experienced near record values of atmospheric moisture through a very deep layer which is more typical of a tropical environment as opposed to Kansas,” leading to dangerous flash flooding across multiple counties where rainfall totals reached between five and twelve inches.

The letter detailed damage to farms, homes, public infrastructure and utilities. There were also reports of water rescues involving flooded vehicles and trapped residents. The weather events caused electrical outages in rural areas and disrupted several 911-dispatch facilities. Emergency calls had to be rerouted as responders faced impassable roads due to downed power lines.

In addition to physical destruction, Kansans are facing financial challenges from recovery efforts. Damage assessments in affected counties—Barber, Butler, Chase, Cowley, Coffey, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Hodgeman, Kingman, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Stanton, Sumner and Wallace—suggest that Kansas may qualify for over $7.5 million in public assistance funding.

The delegation reiterated its backing for federal help: “We…again express our wholehearted support for the Governor’s request. We look forward to federal support being made available expeditiously to adequately equip state and local governments with the resources necessary to respond to the devastation caused by these severe storms.”