Missouri Floods: Over 200 Rescued by Helicopter from Summer Camp

Helicopters rescued more than 200 children and staff from a summer camp in southeastern Missouri on Friday as torrential rains triggered widespread flooding. The evacuations at Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville became necessary as nearby roads were submerged, trapping the campers.

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We are beyond thankful for your help keeping our camp community safe.

The Army National Guard deployed Black Hawk helicopters to transport the children to a nearby elementary school, where they were reunited with their families. The camp expressed profound gratitude for the emergency crews' efforts in ensuring the community's safety. Meanwhile, at the Bearcat Getaway campground near the Black River, approximately 85 miles south of St. Louis, about 20 individuals had to be rescued after the building they sought refuge on collapsed into the raging waters.

"Between the weight and the constant waters underneath it, it just gave away on them," Sgt. Eddie Young of the state's highway patrol explained the building's collapse. In Reynolds County, three other individuals stranded on trees in the Black River were also rescued. While no major injuries or fatalities have been reported, a woman in Crawford County is missing after her house was swept off its foundation by the floodwaters.

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Between the weight and the constant waters underneath it, it just gave away on them.

The National Weather Service reported that the affected areas received between 6 to 12 inches of rain, with more precipitation in the forecast. Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency, activating search and rescue teams. He noted that hundreds of people had already been saved from various perilous situations. The Black River is expected to crest at a record high, exacerbating concerns for the region, which is a popular destination for recreation and float trips.

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It’s very, very popular place for recreation. So there are campgrounds there. There are float trip locations there. A lot of vulnerable populations that would be susceptible to flash flooding.