Hunt for Kansas tornado survivors continues
Fresh search and rescue dogs were being brought in to Greensburg, Kansas, today as the hunt for possible survivors and bodies continues.
Officials estimate as much as 95% of the town was destroyed by the tornado on Friday night. Tree trunks stood bare, stripped of most of their branches, and homes and churches were destroyed.
At least eight people were killed, putting the state’s total death toll at 10.
Residents of the 1,500-strong community were to be allowed back to their homes today, giving rescuers a better idea of whether any missing residents might be buried under rubble.
Since the tornado hit, emergency responders have had little indication of how many people may be safely staying with friends or relatives, rather than in shelters.
Only residents will be allowed back into the town. Police officials will be checking identification and compiling a list of people whose whereabouts have not been determined.
The National Weather Service classified the tornado as an F-5, the highest category on its scale. It said it had wind estimated at 205 mph and carved a track 1.7 miles wide and 22 miles long.
The twister is the first classified as an F-5 since May 3, 1999, when a tornado killed 36 people in Oklahoma City. It is the first F-5 since the weather service revised its scale this year, in an effort to more comprehensively gauge tornadoes’ damage potential, with less emphasis on wind speed.
President George Bush declared parts of Kansas a disaster area, freeing up federal money to aid recovery.
“There’s a certain spirit in the Midwest of our country, a pioneer spirit that still exists, and I’m confident this community will be rebuilt,” Bush said.
