WICHITA, KS (KCTV) -
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback toured tornado-ravaged sections of Sedgwick County on Sunday afternoon.
He used a Kansas National Guard helicopter to tour Rice and Stafford counties before seeing damage at McConnell Air Force Base. His tour included visiting the Sedgwick County Emergency Operations Center.
Brownback met with residents of the Pinnaire Mobile Home Park and other areas of Oaklawn devastated by last night's tornado.
The damage is estimated to be $300 million or more.
In a statement, Brownback said Kansas was fortunate the damage wasn't worse and that no one was killed in what was a "monster system."
"It's been a difficult night for Kansas and the Midwest," he said. "Initial reports indicate there were many homes and businesses damaged - some completely destroyed by the severe weather - but so far, thankfully no deaths."
Kansas saw 97 tornadoes over the weekend.
According to the Sedgwick County Emergency Operations Center, 17 injuries were reported in Sedgwick County. Thirteen people were taken to Via Christi Hospital in Wichita. Three were admitted and are still in the hospital. Four people were taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. One was admitted and is still there.
Brownback says he knows Oklahoma also is facing a difficult time.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those impacted by the numerous storms that passed through our state - and for our neighbors in Oklahoma who lost loved ones," Brownback said.
He said he is glad Kansans paid attention to the warnings from the National Weather Service, and the state and local emergency management officials.
"They did everything they could to protect themselves and their families," he said. "These actions may have saved lives. These types of storm systems show the importance of heeding warnings, having an emergency plan and kit, and knowing where to go in a tornado."
The governor issued a declaration of a disaster emergency to help expedite assistance and is seeking federal aid. Brownback said the state stands ready to provide whatever resources are needed to local officials.
Some nonprofits and utilities are mobilizing from the Kansas City area to help storm victims.
The Salvation Army in Kansas is setting up mobile kitchens to provide food, snacks and cold drinks to storm victims, first responders and cleanup crews.
About 50 Kansas City Power & Light crew members left Kansas City for Des Moines to assist MidAmerican Energy with restoration efforts following yesterday's devastating storms.
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