200 young campers rescued as flooding hits parts of Missouri and Kentucky
Over 200 children and staff were airlifted to safety by the Missouri National Guard after flash flooding trapped them at a summer camp. No injuries were reported, and families were reunited shortly after the rescue.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the increasing frequency and danger of flash flooding events in the central U.S. and the importance of emergency response coordination.
Ann DeField is grateful her two sons and their fellow campers are home safe after they were evacuated from a Missouri summer camp that became flooded during severe weather across the central U.S. this week.
Benjamin, 11 years old and Teddy, 9, were among the more than 200 children and counselors who were airlifted from Camp Taum Sauk on Friday in Lesterville, Mo., after the region saw historic rainfall. Eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crewed by about 35 members of the Missouri National Guard rescued them from dangerous floodwaters, according to Gov. Mike Kehoe's office — flying them to a nearby elementary school where they were reunited with family.
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