Severe flash flooding in southeastern Missouri prompted a large-scale rescue operation at Camp Taum Sauk in Reynolds County, where about 200 campers and counselors were airlifted to safety on Friday. The evacuation followed a deluge of approximately one foot of rain during what the National Weather Service described as a once-in-a-thousand-years rainfall event.

The heavy rains began late Thursday evening, as repeated thunderstorms — a weather pattern known as "training" — swept over the region. By just before midnight, up to three inches of rain had already fallen, prompting flash flood warnings for Reynolds and central Iron County. The downpours persisted through Friday morning, with some locations in southwestern Missouri recording between six to over 12 inches of rain. The Black River, adjacent to the camp, rose rapidly, forcing campers to move from low-lying cabins to higher ground.

In the early hours of Friday, dozens of girls were evacuated from cabins near the river and relocated first to the cafeteria, then to tennis courts as floodwaters advanced. Boys housed on higher ground remained indoors, occupying themselves with games and radio broadcasts. Parents stayed in close contact via group messaging, receiving updates from camp officials.

The situation escalated as floodwaters continued to rise, prompting Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe to declare a state of emergency and activate the National Guard. Black Hawk helicopters were deployed in the afternoon to airlift campers and staff to a nearby elementary school, where families reunited with their children.

For many campers, the rescue was unexpectedly memorable. Eleven-year-old Everett Box, attending Camp Taum Sauk for the third year, said he was initially scared but quickly became excited about the helicopter evacuation.

Officials noted that the response was more organized and controlled compared to the tragic flooding at Camp Mystic in central Texas last July, where a lack of adequate emergency preparation led to chaos. That earlier disaster resulted in the deaths of 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp’s executive director, and has since led to lawsuits and the bankruptcy of the camp operator.

In Missouri, law enforcement reported one fatality linked to the flooding. A woman named Faith Gregory was found deceased near her home in Crawford County, about two miles downstream, according to the county sheriff’s office.

On Friday morning, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency — its highest alert level — warning that life-threatening flooding was underway and urging residents to seek higher ground immediately.

As of Saturday, flood watches remained in effect across much of southeastern Missouri and extended into neighboring states including Kentucky and Tennessee.

Campers and their families expressed gratitude for the preparedness of Camp Taum Sauk, which had communicated safety protocols following the Texas tragedy. Melissa Hensley, mother of 11-year-old camper Cate Hensley, said the camp is a treasured place for her daughters, underscoring the year-round planning undertaken to ensure safety during such events. Cate recalled observing the rising river, noting the devastation to her cabin, which was covered in broken glass and rendered inaccessible after the flooding.