Wichita Standard

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has joined other members of the Kansas congressional delegation in requesting a major disaster declaration from President Donald J. Trump after severe storms struck several counties in Kansas between June 3 and June 7, 2025. The affected areas include Barber, Butler, Cowley, Greenwood, Harper, Kingman and Sumner counties within Kansas’ 4th Congressional District.

The request was made alongside U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., Jerry Moran, and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann, Derek Schmidt, and Sharice Davids.

In their letter to the president, the delegation stated: “We write today in support of Governor Laura Kelly’s request for a major disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from June 3 through June 7, 2025. The aftermath of these natural disasters has left lasting impacts on the communities affected beyond when the storms have taken place. Federal support must be provided to assist our state in emergency response and restoration efforts.”

The letter cited information from the National Weather Service indicating that Kansas experienced unusually high levels of atmospheric moisture during this period—conditions more typical of tropical environments—which led to dangerous flash flooding across the state. Some counties received between five and twelve inches of rain.

As a result of these weather events, there was significant damage to farms, homes, public infrastructure and utilities. There were also reports of multiple water rescues involving flooded vehicles and people trapped by rising waters.

Electrical outages disrupted rural areas including several 911-dispatch facilities. Emergency calls had to be rerouted as responders dealt with impassable travel conditions caused by downed electric poles and lines.

Financial burdens have added to physical damages for residents responding to these disasters. A survey covering impacted counties—including Barber, Butler, Chase, Cowley, Coffey, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Hodgeman, Kingman, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Stanton, Sumner and Wallace—estimates that Kansas will qualify for over $7.5 million in public assistance funding.

The delegation concluded their letter by saying: “We, the Kansas Delegation, again express our wholehearted support for the Governor’s request. We look forward to federal support being made available expeditiously to adequately equip state and local governments with the resources necessary to respond to the devastation caused by these severe storms.”

Ron Estes has served as U.S. Representative for Kansas’ 4th district since replacing Mike Pompeo in 2017 (https://estes.house.gov/about). Born in Topeka in 1956 and currently living in Wichita (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000298), Estes holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee Technological University.