Medical Problems Develop For Flooding First Responders

Friday, July 6th 2007, 12:26 pm

By: News On 6

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (AP) -- A state incident command took over flood response efforts in Coffeyville Friday, and residents who had been allowed back to their homes are ordered away from the contaminated areas. City Clerk Cindy Price says part of the concern is because first responders and rescuers who have had prolonged exposure to the area are experiencing rashes and diarrhea.

Price said anyone in contact with flood water should wash with bottled water.

The state incident command assumed control Friday morning in the area of Coffeyville affected by the floods. Price says residents won't be allowed back in until environmental testing is finished.

Montgomery County and several other counties in southeast Kansas have been declared federal disaster areas because of the flooding that hit over the weekend.

For more flooding information, check out our STORM ZONE web page.