Heavy storms and flash flooding across southeast Missouri on Friday prompted a large-scale emergency response that included airlifting more than 200 people from a flooded summer camp and rescuing over 350 residents across multiple counties, officials said.
Rapid rescues at Camp Taum Sauk
Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters flew into Reynolds County to evacuate campers and staff trapped by rising water at Camp Taum Sauk near Lesterville. Video released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol showed children running to board the waiting helicopters as crews worked to move groups to safety.
"We are beyond thankful for your help keeping our camp community safe," Camp Taum Sauk officials wrote on Instagram, thanking the National Guard, Reynolds County 911 emergency responders and the local Arcadia community.
The evacuees — reported as 202 campers and staff — were transported to St. Louis and reunited with family members, troopers said. Camp officials said the camp has operated in Lesterville since 1946.
Scope of flooding and other rescues
State and local authorities described the larger response as hundreds of water rescues and evacuations across Iron, Reynolds and Crawford counties after an intense rainfall event. Officials reported that more than 350 people were rescued in the three counties, including 250 children and staff from the camp and about 100 additional water rescues.
- Camp Taum Sauk: 202 campers and staff airlifted to safety.
- Counties affected: Iron, Reynolds and Crawford.
- Reported fatality: One woman found downstream after part of her home collapsed.
Authorities confirmed one death in the flooding. A Crawford County woman was discovered about a mile downstream from her home on Huzzah Creek after being swept away when part of her house collapsed, officials said.
"It's definitely not the outcome we were hoping for, but it's a tragic reminder of how strong Mother Nature can be and how forceful it can be," Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Eddie Young told FOX Weather.
Damage, rainfall and local conditions
Officials reported intense rainfall across the region, with some areas receiving up to a foot of rain. Roads were washed out in places, leaving residents stranded even after being rescued; trees and structures were damaged and some roads were described as ripped away, complicating ground access for responders.
| Measure | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| People rescued (total in three counties) | More than 350 |
| Camp Taum Sauk evacuees | 202 |
| Camp children and staff reported | 250 (included in total rescues) |
| Additional water rescues | ~100 |
Local emergency management and state agencies continued search, rescue and damage assessments into Saturday. Spokespeople said many residents were safe but temporarily stranded because washed-out roads prevented them from reaching services.
The rescue at Camp Taum Sauk is the most visible element of the response, but officials and community members emphasized the broader disruption across rural parts of southeast Missouri. The incident underscores how intense summer storms can quickly degrade river and creek conditions in the Ozarks, creating hazardous flash flooding that overwhelms homes and local roads.
Authorities have not released the name of the fatality beyond identifying the person as a Crawford County resident found downstream from her home. Emergency officials urged people in affected areas to avoid flooded roads and to follow directions from local authorities as recovery operations continue.
News Block will update this report as officials provide additional details about damage assessments, road closures and recovery resources in the coming days.
