July 11, 2026 / 12:23 PM EDT
/ CBS/AP
Add CBS News on Google
Rescue crews had to airlift more than 200 people stuck at a children's camp after 6 to 12 inches of rain fell Friday in the southeastern part of the state, cutting off all roads into the area.The Missouri National Guard mobilized eight Black Hawk helicopters to to fly 202 campers and counselors from Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville, Missouri, in Reynolds County, according to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe."Missouri's first responders once again answered the call with extraordinary bravery, professionalism, and compassion, rescuing hundreds of Missourians from dangerous floodwaters," Kehoe said in a statement. "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." The flooding covered several counties in southeastern Missouri, including Crawford, Iron, Madison, Reynolds and Wayne, "resulting in a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event in some of these locations," Kehoe said.
Today's extraordinary efforts reflect the very best of our state emergency response teams, resulting in hundreds of Missourians being saved from dangerous floodwaters. We will continue supporting communities as response and recovery efforts move forward. pic.twitter.com/bompP0q8oZ— Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) July 11, 2026
