The massive storm system that swept through Kansas beginning the afternoon of Saturday, April 14, generated 97 tornadoes (and possibly up to 120), according to the National Weather Service. Despite this, officials in the Kansas Division of Emergency Management have received no reports of deaths resulting from the storms.

Oaklawn Neighborhood

According to the Sedgwick County (Wichita area) Emergency Operations Center, 17 injuries were reported in Sedgwick County. Thirteen people were taken to Via Christi Hospital in Wichita. Three were admitted and are still in the hospital. Four persons were taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. One was admitted and is still there.

Rice (Northwest of Hutchinson) and Sedgwick Counties were the hardest hit among the many counties that reported damage. Rice County officials reported several buildings were damaged and debris blocked some minor roads. Four separate tank batteries near 2nd Ave. and Ave. H were damaged, releasing 50 to 100 gallons of oil into a containment area. The sheriff’s office was damaged and the jail roof was blown off; prisoners were transferred to off-site facilities. County 911 dispatch center has been transferred to the regional 911 Back-up center.

In Sedgwick County, Pinaire Mobile Home Park in the Oaklawn area of Wichita received significant damages. Fifty-seven mobile homes were damaged to greater than 75 percent, 35 mobile homes damaged more than 50 percent and 61 mobile homes were damaged less than 50 percent.

Pinaire Mobile Home Park

Six other homes were reported destroyed, three were damaged and a condominium was damaged. All buildings at the Spirit Aerosystems facility received some damage; six sustained significant damage. Other damage in the county included a gas line rupture, debris and power poles down. Approximately 100 area residents were sheltered overnight by the American Red Cross in Derby; 25 are still being sheltered.

Assessments are underway. Prayers, financial &volunteer assistance will certainly be needed during the recovery period. To assist immediately, financial donations are the best. Kansas United Way 211 will be taking calls for volunteers. And please keep all who have been affected in your prayers.