Jul 30, 2026

Governor requests a declaration of major presidential disaster for June storms

Posted Jul 30, 2026 7:30 PM
NWS Topeka
NWS Topeka

Kansas Adjutant General’s Department

Governor Laura Kelly sent a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asking for a major presidential disaster declaration due to damages caused by severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, hail and flooding during the period of June 4-15.

Governor Kelly has requested the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide and the Public Assistance Program – Categories A through G, for the following counties: Atchison, Brown, Cherokee, Crawford, Dickinson, Edwards, Geary, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jackson, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Morris, Nemaha, Ness, Osage, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pottawatomie, Rice, Riley, Rush, Russell, Saline, Sherman, Stafford, Wabaunsee, Washington; and two tribal nations: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. Damage to public infrastructure, utility systems, and transportation networks generated significant response and recovery challenges for affected local governments, many of which are small rural jurisdictions with limited financial and operational resources.

“Due to the extent of damage, it is critical that federal resources are made available so that these communities may rebuild and receive the support they need as recovery efforts continue,” Governor Laura Kelly said.