Over 200 campers and staff were airlifted by Missouri National Guard Black Hawk helicopters from Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville, Missouri, after historic rainfall—up to 12 inches in hours—triggered severe flooding. Parents like Ann DeField expressed relief as their children, who remained calm and even viewed the rescue as an adventure, were safely reunited with families. Gov. Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency, praising first responders while urging residents to stay weather-aware and avoid flooded roads, noting over half of Missouri flood fatalities involve trapped vehicles. At least one person, 23-year-old Faith Gregory, was confirmed dead in Huzzah Creek.
Original Article Source Link:
https://www.npr.org/2026/07/11/nx-s1-5890213/missouri-kentucky-summer-camp-flooding