U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall as well as Congressman Tracey Mann visited Westmoreland on Friday, touring the devastated neighborhoods ravaged by the April 30 tornado.
The three Congressional members were bussed around the community to see firsthand the damage. Tuesday’s storm destroyed 22 homes and damaged 13 others. Sen. Moran says part of their visit was to determine whether the community may qualify for federal disaster assistance.
“In this case, it appears, and even the community officials admit that the threshold is not met for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to come in. It’s still unknown about the Small Business Administration and low or no interest loans that might occur, but I want to make sure that that’s true,” Moran said. “If things change, then I want to be able to tell the administrator of FEMA I was there and I saw the results of what happened.”
Moran commended the response from volunteers and neighbors who came together in the storm’s aftermath.
“It’s amazing the number of people who maybe they know people in the community, maybe they’re related but in so many instance that’s not even the case. People show up, roll up their sleeves and go to work to make a difference. That’s exactly what’s happening in Westmoreland,” he said.
Sen. Marshall says seeing the devastation firsthand was an eye-opening experience.
“If you can imagine a lawn mower just about a block wide and going about four or five blocks long, 22 houses devastated. Of course we mention Ann Miller as a person who lost her life here and want her family to know we care and we’re mourning with her,” he said. “What an amazing job by the community of coming together and picking things up.”
Congressman Mann commended Westmoreland residents and first responders for their resolve in the aftermath of Tuesday’s storms.
“It’s a testament to Kansans that when hard things like this happen, Kansans come together. We had a fire during the tornado, the fire department put that out, Evergy restored power very quickly, the county and all the volunteers have been incredible,” he said. “Outpouring and well-done caring for your neighbors.”
A Resource Center has been established to aid impacted residents, and it will remain operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found at pottcounty.org/tornado or at cityofwestmorelandks.org.
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