Area residents evacuated; more flooding is expected in Topeka
Originally published 09:01 a.m., May 7, 2007
Updated 10:59 a.m., May 7, 2007
Flash flooding and high water has forced hundreds of Kansans from their homes, shut down streets and highways around Kansas, and rain is expected to continue for days. In Shawnee County, 490 water rescues were completed this morning.
If you have concerns about flooded streets in Topeka call (785) 291-4993. If you want to find out about your loved ones, call (785) 291-5543.
Photo Gallery
Severe Flooding [05-07-07]
These photos were taken in the morning of May 7, 2007 by various community members and 49's staffers. Topeka was hardest hit.
Earlier this morning, Lake Sherwood breached its banks at the spillway. The worst flooding in Topeka is along Washburn from 21st to 29th and 29th and Arrowhead, near Foxcroft Apartments, where residents were evacuated at about 2 a.m.
Almost 100 Topeka residents have already arrived at the Kansas Expocentre after torrential rains caused them to evacuate their homes.
Rescue boats, some manned by citizens, traveled the streets of Topeka to pick people up from their front steps.
Topeka Spokesman David Bevens commended the volunteer effort by citizens. He said no injuries have been reported in the city.
The Red Cross is providing disaster relief for these evacuees. Roads are open to the Expocentre, and people are picking up their friends and family members. Others are holding up in hotels.
Road closures
Numerous streets have been closed because of flooding. Emergency Management urges people not to drive on roads covered with water.
If you have a question about road closures within th city, call Emergency Mangement at (785) 291-4993.
Many people are being bussed in to the center, which has accommodations for 3,000 people. The Expocentre, which opened at about 5 a.m., will allow pets and is bracing for overnight stays for its guests. However, it is unknown if anyone will be staying that long.
You can also seek shelter at the Petro Allied Health Center at Washburn University.
In some areas, cars have been covered by water as local creeks have crested. One of those creeks is Shunganunga Creek. Residents in the area north of Soldier Creek west of Highway 75 are being asked to voluntarily evacuate.
The Kansas River is expected to crest later this afternoon.
Important phone numbers
If you have concerns about flooded streets in Topeka call (785) 291-4993. If you want to find out about your loved ones, call (785) 291-5543. If you want to help out, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.
On city streets, water had begun to slowly recede late this morning, but Topeka police said people were still being rescued.
If you need to be evacuated, call 911. Local law enforcement are working hard to evacuate people. Rescue crews are stretched thin, so evacuations may take up to two hours.
Several area schools, including USD 501, have been closed. See closings here.
See more video here.
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