The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has asked the Civil Air Patrol to continue providing support to the ongoing flooding disaster in the state. Kansas Wing was previously supporting the State Emergency Operations Center through June 14th, and was requested to provide additional support as needed through the month.

According to the Civil Air Patrol,  Kansas Wing performed an aerial photography mission to provide imagery of flooding on Wednesday, and will continue to provide air and ground support as needed. To date, Kansas Wing has performed 32 aerial photography missions and several ground transportation missions to support the needs of Kansas. Aerial photography missions have generated hundreds of images that are used by emergency management personnel and policy makers to determine the extent of flooding and damage.

Colonel Linette Lahan, CAP’s Incident Commander for this mission, continues to urge Kansans to remain alert to ongoing flooding. “Make sure you have a way to receive alerts, and be vigilant to changing weather and road conditions,” said Lahan. “Flood waters can be contaminated, and flowing water has the ability to sweep away people and vehicles. Never walk or drive through flood waters,” urges Lahan.

67 counties in Kansas are included in a state disaster declaration, with 33 also being in a federal emergency declaration. According to a release by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, “these disaster declarations supplement state and local efforts for required emergency measures to save lives and protect property, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe through direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures.”

Kansas Wing volunteers remain prepared to assist their communities and fellow Kansans. CAP leaders continue to assess the ongoing situation, and will provide support as requested.