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Campers Airlifted as Missouri Reels from Flash Floods
12 Jul
Summary
- Over 200 people airlifted from children's camp due to severe flooding.
- Rainfall reached 6 to 12 inches, causing a 1-in-1,000-year event.
- Rescue crews faced challenges with capsized boats and collapsed structures.
Rescue operations were launched in southeastern Missouri on Friday, July 11, 2026, after torrential rains caused severe flooding. Over 200 campers and counselors at Camp Taum Sauk in Reynolds County were airlifted by eight Black Hawk helicopters from the Missouri National Guard. This drastic measure was necessary as 6 to 12 inches of rain fell, inundating roads and creating a "1-in-1,000-year rainfall event" in affected areas.
Governor Mike Kehoe praised the bravery of first responders, highlighting the successful rescue of hundreds from dangerous floodwaters. While the immediate crisis at the children's camp was resolved, other rescue efforts continued. Campers near the Black River had to climb onto a building to escape rising waters when it collapsed. Three people were also rescued from trees along the Black River.
Despite the chaotic conditions, including two rescue boats capsizing, no major injuries or fatalities were reported as of Saturday, July 12, 2026. However, one woman in Crawford County remained unaccounted for after her house was swept away. The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings for the region, which is popular for recreation and campgrounds, making it particularly vulnerable to such extreme weather events. The Black River was expected to crest at a record high, with several major roads remaining impassable.
