USA: Over 200 children evacuated from summer camp in Missouri due to floods

Severe weather unleashed by heavy rains has caused widespread disruption across parts of Missouri, USA, prompting numerous emergency rescues. Over 200 children and staff were evacuated from the Taum Sauk summer camp in Lesterville after floodwaters washed out roads, trapping them.

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Heavy rains on Friday washed out roads around Taum Sauk campground and trapped children and staff at the site.

The National Guard deployed Black Hawk helicopters to airlift the children and adults to a nearby elementary school, where families awaited their reunion. While no major injuries or fatalities have been reported among the evacuees, the situation remains tense as one woman in Crawford County is still missing after her home was destroyed by the floods.

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The National Guard used Black Hawk helicopters to evacuate children and adults from the camp to a nearby elementary school, where their families were waiting for them.

Authorities have issued severe weather warnings for several other states, as the slow-moving storms continue to move south. The National Weather Service predicts heavy winds, rain, and flash flooding across a broad area, particularly from the Ozark Mountains eastward through the Ohio and Tennessee river valleys. Missouri's Emergency Management Agency cautioned that additional storms could bring further flooding, especially in areas already saturated with up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of rain.

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It is a very popular recreation spot, there are many camps, people use boats on the river en masse, and many people could be endangered by sudden floods.

Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency and activated the state's swift-water rescue teams. He highlighted the danger posed by rising rivers, with the Black River expected to reach record levels in some areas. Residents in low-lying, flood-prone regions are urged to remain vigilant, heed warnings, and be prepared to take protective measures as the situation develops.

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Hundreds of people were rescued late last night from floodwaters, from trees, from roofs, or while trapped in vehicles.