Flooding in Southeastern Missouri Evacuates Camp, Leaves One Missing

Heavy rainfall and flooding struck parts of southeastern Missouri on July 10, forcing the helicopter evacuation of more than 200 children and staff from Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville after roads washed away. The Army National Guard used Black Hawk helicopters to fly the group to a nearby elementary school. Campers at the Bearcat Getaway campground near the Black River, about 85 miles south of St.

Louis, climbed onto a building to escape rising waters before it collapsed. Rescue teams pulled about 20 people from the site. Three others were extracted from trees along the Black River in Reynolds County.

A woman identified as Faith Gregory remains missing in Crawford County after her house was swept from its foundation. No major injuries or fatalities have been reported. The flooding delivered 6 to 12 inches of rain across the region.

Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency and activated a state search and rescue team. He stated that hundreds of people had been saved from floodwaters, trees, rooftops and stranded vehicles. Several major roads remained impassable.

The Black River is expected to crest above 28 feet near Annapolis. Two rescue boats capsized in Reynolds County during operations, but all responders were recovered safely. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings and stated that additional heavy rain overnight into Saturday could produce considerable impacts.

Matt Beitscher, lead meteorologist with the NWS office in St. Louis, noted that the affected counties host many campgrounds and float trip locations.