More than 200 children and staff were evacuated by Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters from Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville, Missouri, after torrential rains washed away roads and trapped them on Friday. The operation, confirmed by Sgt. Eddie Young of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, transported the campers to a nearby elementary school for reunification with families.
One Missing as Floodwaters Sweep Homes
As of Saturday, one person remained missing in Crawford County. Faith Gregory was swept away when her house was lifted from its foundation by floodwaters. Family and friends have resumed searching for her and her dogs, who were also carried off. No fatalities have been reported, but the National Weather Service warned that slow-moving storms could continue to cause severe thunderstorms and flash flooding across a wide region stretching from the Ozarks to the Ohio and Tennessee river valleys.
Campers Rescued from Collapsed Building
At the Bearcat Getaway campground near the Black River, about 85 miles south of St. Louis, campers climbed onto a building to escape rising waters, but the structure collapsed under the combined weight and water pressure. Young stated, "Between the weight and the constant waters underneath it, it just gave away on them." Three other individuals were rescued from trees along the Black River in Reynolds County.
State of Emergency Declared
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency and activated a search and rescue team. He reported that hundreds of people were saved from floodwaters, trees, rooftops, and stranded vehicles. Major roads remain impassable, and the Black River is expected to crest at over 28 feet near Annapolis—a record level. "As recovery efforts continue and additional rain is expected, I urge everyone in flood-prone and low-lying areas to stay weather-aware," Kehoe said in a statement.
Rescue Operations Face Challenges
In Reynolds County, two rescue boats capsized, but all responders were safely recovered by other emergency personnel. Matt Beitscher, a lead meteorologist with the NWS in St. Louis, noted the area's popularity for recreation: "There are campgrounds there. There are float trip locations there. A lot of vulnerable populations that would be susceptible to flash flooding." The Missouri Emergency Management Agency warned that further thunderstorms could bring additional flash flooding, especially where 6 to 12 inches of rain have already fallen.
