U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) of Manhattan traveled to Baxter Springs – which was hit by a tornado on Sunday, April 27, 2014 – to join local officials on a tour of some of the hardest hit areas and to receive an update on relief efforts.
“As I witnessed the destruction of homes, businesses and infrastructure in Baxter Springs today, it was no surprise that less than 24 hours after the destruction Kansans were already reaching out to help those in need,” Sen. Moran said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to residents and business owners who suffered great loss and devastation, and my sincere thanks goes out to all of the emergency management personnel who are responding to this disaster.”
A tornado nearly three blocks wide struck the community of Baxter Springs, Kan., resulting in at least 34 injuries along with major damage to more than 150 homes and 12 businesses. The tornado was part of a larger storm system on Sunday evening that also ravaged parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma resulting in at least nine deaths. Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves took time to show Sen. Moran the hardest hit areas of the community. Sen. Moran was also appreciative of State Adjutant General, Major General Lee Tafanelli and Kansas Division of Emergency Management Deputy Director Angee Morgan for the timely, professional and compassionate way they and their teams are responding to this disaster.
