Sunday, May 26, 2019

Greenwood Co. Emergency Management officials say it is now safe for residents to return to their properties, after calling for the immediate evacuation of a small southeastern Kansas town Friday.

An evacuation notice was previously announced for residents south of the Fall River dam and the city of Fall River.

Saturday morning, the dam was releasing 36,000 cubic feet of water per second, and buildings downstream from the reservoir could be seen submerged to their roofs. Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism workers used a boat to search the area for anyone stranded by the floodwaters.

The Red Cross shelter established in Eureka for evacuees will close May 26.

The town has around 150 residents and lies about 75 miles east of Wichita.

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Evacuations are underway in parts of Greenwood County as record levels of water are being released out of Fall River Reservoir.

As of Saturday night, Fall River is several feet above flood stage and officials say river levels will increase overnight. Greenwood County Emergency Management says residents need to evacuate and stay away from Fall River and the City of Fall River, south of the Fall River dam. They say the dam is releasing 36,000 cubic feet of water per second.

"Record levels of water are being released out of Fall River Reservoir that will cause widespread flooding, the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office said.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter in Eureka at Jefferson Street Baptist Church, 300 S. Jefferson Street.

Pastor John Craighead says dozens of people stayed overnight.

"It may seem like you're safe and you can get in and out, but in just a matter of minutes once that water gets over the bridge or over the bank... what was safe to get out fifteen minutes ago, many not be an option anymore," Craighead said.

Officials say if you do not evacuate, you are putting yourself and first responders at risk.

The county is currently conducting assessments and identifying significant damages that need emergency repairs. They are estimating it will take months to repair roads.