7,200 still without power after storm

The number of Westar Energy Inc. customers across Kansas without electricity following last week’s ice storm dropped to about 7,200 Tuesday evening, the utility said.

Most of those still without power — about 6,300 — were located in the Wichita area. As of 7 p.m., Newton was down to 650, El Dorado to 200, and Emporia to 10, Westar said.

The Kansas Adjutant General’s Department said the estimate of the ice storm’s damage in the state had risen to about $17 million. That covers damage to electric utilities, other infrastructure and the cost of removing debris.

The department said assessment teams are expected to begin verifying the damage estimates this afternoon, with a preliminary report expected next Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, it was announced that although the ice storm caused widespread power losses, traffic accidents, related injuries and tons of debris from broken tree limbs, the damage may not be extensive enough to warrant federal assistance to individuals.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius named 56 counties in a declaration of a state of disaster emergency. The governor may request a presidential disaster declaration only if the extent of the damage falls within the federal eligibility requirements.

For a county to qualify for aid to individuals, one of the following criteria must be met:

  • The disaster must affect at least 200 primary residences in each county with uninsured damage of 40 percent to 50 percent to the home itself. The damage to the home must be severe enough that the occupants cannot live in it for 30 days of more.
  • The disaster must affect 25 homes or businesses with at least 40 percent uninsured loss in the same county.