Missouri flash flood rescue saves hundreds, camp evacuated

A massive rescue operation unfolded across southeastern Missouri on Friday, July 10, 2026, after torrential rains triggered catastrophic flash flooding that trapped hundreds of people, forced the evacuation of a summer camp, and left at least one person missing. Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency and activated state search and rescue teams as rivers, including the Black River, swelled to record levels.

The flooding was caused by a series of slow-moving thunderstorms that dumped between 6 and 12 inches of rain across parts of the Ozark Mountains overnight and into Friday morning. Officials described the rainfall as a 1-in-1,000-year event. The deluge transformed the Black River and neighboring streams into raging torrents, inundating homes, campgrounds, and roads.

One of the largest rescues occurred at Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville, where more than 200 children and staff were trapped. The Missouri Army National Guard used Black Hawk helicopters to airlift the campers and counselors to a nearby elementary school for reunification with their families. The camp later expressed gratitude to emergency crews in a social media post.

Elsewhere in Reynolds County, emergency...