WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) toured Wichita on Sunday, April 15, 2012, to visit with local residents affected by a devastating tornado that struck the community on Saturday night, April 14, 2012. Sen. Moran joined Governor Sam Brownback and local, county, and state officials yesterday to tour some of the hardest hit areas and to receive an update on relief efforts. An initial damage estimate for Sedgwick County alone exceeds $280 million.
           
“As I witnessed the destruction at McConnell Air Force Base, Pinnaire Mobile Home Park and the Oaklawn neighborhood, it was clear that the damage goes far beyond buildings; this storm impacted countless families, business owners and their employees,” Sen. Moran said. “And less than 24 hours after the tornado, Kansans have already reached out to their neighbors to help meet their needs. One group that’s making a difference is the Salvation Army, which provided shelter to more than 200 people immediately after the tornado and has provided water and meals to more than 600 first responders and affected residents. My thoughts and prayers go out to residents and business owners who suffered great loss and devastation. I pledge to do whatever I can to support the recovery effort in Sedgwick County and throughout our great state.”

The tornado that hit Wichita was estimate by the National Weather Service to be an EF-3, with maximum winds of 165 mph. An EF-5 is the most powerful. It was part of a severe weather system that produced at least 120 tornado reports across the Midwest by Sunday morning. 

Attached are two photos: a photo of Sen. Moran assessing tornado damage with Sedgwick County Commissioner Dave Unruh, and a second photo of Sen. Moran thanking Doug and Janet Rowland of the Sedgwick County Salvation Army for their efforts to assist their fellow Kansans.

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