Massive rainfall and severe flash flooding struck parts of Missouri on Friday, prompting the emergency helicopter evacuation of more than 200 children and staff from a summer camp.
The extreme weather also led to the rescue of approximately 20 individuals from a collapsed campground building.
State officials reported that multiple roadways were washed away by rising waters.
Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt.
Eddie Young said the stranded children were trapped at Camp Taum Sauk in the small southeastern community of Lesterville.
The Army National Guard deployed Black Hawk helicopters to transport them to a nearby elementary school for family reunions.
"We are beyond thankful for your help keeping our camp community safe," the camp staff posted on Instagram late Friday.
At the Bearcat Getaway campground near the Black River, about 85 miles south of St. Louis, campers climbed onto a building before it gave way.
"Between the weight and the constant waters underneath it, it just gave away on them," Sgt. Young said.
Emergency responders also saved three individuals trapped in trees along the Black River in Reynolds County on Friday evening.
While no major injuries or fatalities have been confirmed, authorities are searching for a missing woman in Crawford County whose home was swept off its foundation.
State of Emergency Declared
National Weather Service lead meteorologist Matt Beitscher noted that the region received between 6 to 12 inches of rain as consecutive thunderstorms impacted popular recreational areas.
"It's very, very popular place for recreation," he said. "So there are campgrounds there.
There are float trip locations there. A lot of vulnerable populations that would be susceptible to flash flooding."
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency and mobilized a state search and rescue team.
He confirmed that hundreds of individuals had been rescued from vehicles, rooftops, trees, and rising floodwaters.
"As recovery efforts continue and additional rain is expected, I urge everyone in flood-prone and low-lying areas to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways of receiving alerts and be ready to take protective action," Governor Kehoe said.
The National Weather Service warned that further heavy rainfall overnight could cause considerable impacts.
Officials stated that the Black River was expected to crest at a record height of over 28 feet near Annapolis.
