Historic flooding hits Manhattan, Kansas, state of emergency declared in 5 counties

Parts of Kansas, including the worst-hit Manhattan, received nearly 228.6 mm (9 inches) of rainfall late Sunday, September 2 into Monday, September 3, 2018, causing major flash flooding and forcing more than 300 people to evacuate their homes. Additional shower and thunderstorm chances will allow the threat for flash flooding and river flooding to continue through Friday night, September 7.

Heavy rains caused Wildcat Creek to burst its banks and flood the Kansas college town of Manhattan, forcing more than 300 people to evacuate, including some who were ferried out. Some 3 000 customers in the town were left without power, officials said.

"It was one of the most significant events that we’ve experienced in my history here," Manhattan city manager Ron Fehr said at a news conference Monday. "Things got flooded this time that have never been flooded before, even some of the rural areas."

Pat Collins, director of Riley County Emergency Management, said September 4 that some residents had returned to their flood-damaged homes and apartments, while several dozen others were staying in shelters set up in Manhattan.

"While Wildcat Creek receded, emergency management personnel are watching the Kansas River, which was at 4.3 m (14 feet) Tuesday afternoon and was expected to crest Wednesday at about 5.5 m (18 feet), which is flood stage," Collins said.

Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer issued a disaster emergency declaration for Jewell, Kingman, Marshall, Pratt, and Riley counties and said the declaration could be expanded as more damage assessments come in. The declaration authorizes the counties to use state resources and personnel to help with recovery operations.

Authorities said all roads and bridges that had been closed reopened Tuesday after floodwaters had receded.

NWS meteorologist Audra Hennecke said more rainfall is possible this week in the Manhattan area, as well as other parts of northern Kansas.

"We're in this pattern in which we're continuing to bring more moisture into the area," Hennecke said. "We're stuck in this pattern that really isn't moving anywhere."
Bron: https://watchers.news 
 

The Corps of Engineers reports rainfall around 8.9 inches and around 3-4 inches in Riley. That water then came down Wildcat Creek. pic.twitter.com/bRI1Br0aVJ

— RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) 3 september 2018

Roads were blocked off and residents were notified at that time to evacuate if they lived in the areas near the flooded roadways. pic.twitter.com/ywOG4wOV6Q

— RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) 3 september 2018

There are efforts underway to set up a second shelter. Right now there are around 300 people displaced. The number of homes affected is not known at this time. An assessment will be done later today to determine that number. pic.twitter.com/9sMkOd56at

— RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) 3 september 2018

There are areas where the water is receding, however there are still some areas where the water levels are rising. Please do not go through high water areas, it is NOT safe. pic.twitter.com/MNqjdmjT0P

— RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) 3 september 2018

1:30 PM #MHKFlood2018 update:

There are still over 700 homes without power. Please do not expect the power to be turned on tonight. Plan for power to be out until it is safe to be turned back on again. Continue to check @WestarEnergy for updated info: https://t.co/pOHN4mitny pic.twitter.com/Pb1EMzPl92

— RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) 3 september 2018

***IMPORTANT INFO FOR FAMILIES***

The community can check the link below to see if their family members are at the shelter in Cico park. This is done through the Red Cross.https://t.co/uP4RV1c7yZ pic.twitter.com/2uiYn9Rfit

— RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) 3 september 2018

Rescue stats from @ManhattanFD for people removed by boat, dumptruck or person: Redbud 60 people; Highland Ridge 16 people, Gardenway 50 plus 20 pets, Village/Whitetail 26 people and 4 pets. #MHKflood2018 pic.twitter.com/lnnRYJKfdV

— RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) 3 september 2018

#MHKFlood2018 5:00 PM Tuesday UPDATE:

*Governor Jeff Colyer has added Riley County to the disaster declaration list of Kansas counties affected by Labor Day flooding. The declaration allows for possible state and federal aid. pic.twitter.com/m3HwouDWd0

— RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) 4 september 2018