More Than 200 Campers Evacuated by National Guard Helicopters Amid Missouri Flooding
Over 200 children and staff were airlifted from a Missouri summer camp after flash floods, while emergency crews rescued additional residents across Missouri and Kentucky.
More than 200 campers and counselors were rescued from Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville, Missouri, after flash flooding forced an evacuation on Friday. Eight Missouri National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters lifted the group to a nearby elementary school, where families were reunited with the children.
Governor Mike Kehoe praised the response, saying state first responders acted with "extraordinary bravery, professionalism, and compassion" and urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay weather-aware and prepared for further rain.
The flood event, described by the governor's office as a "1-in-1,000-year rainfall" in some locations, prompted a state of emergency after up to 12 inches of rain fell within hours across several counties. Emergency teams, including Missouri Task Force 1, deployed rescue boats and equipment to assist stranded motorists.
One fatality was reported in Crawford County, where 23-year-old Faith Gregory was found dead in Huzzah Creek after being swept away by floodwaters.
The National Weather Service warned that additional heavy rain could produce further flash flooding across Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and West Virginia, with flood watches in effect through Sunday. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also declared a state of emergency on June 27 in response to the ongoing severe weather system.