At least one person died after torrential rain triggered widespread flooding across Missouri, prompting over 350 rescues and evacuations, including at a summer camp. A state of emergency has been declared as officials warn that more heavy rainfall could worsen conditions.
At least one woman died in Missouri on Saturday (local time) after torrential rain triggered widespread flooding a day earlier, leading to multiple emergency rescues and evacuations, including at a summer camp housing more than 200 children.
Citing the county sheriff’s office, news agency AP reported that the woman who lost her life has been identified as Faith Gregory, who went missing in Crawford County after her home was swept away from its foundation. Her body was later found by volunteers on Saturday morning, about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) downstream from her residence in Huzzah Creek.
“This is not the outcome that any of us were hoping for,” the sheriff’s office said, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Faith’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Army rescues summer campers in Missouri
The heavy rains that battered the state on Friday resulted in washed-away roads near Camp Taum Sauk, trapping children and staff at the site in Lesterville, a small southeastern community. The Army National Guard used Black Hawk helicopters to fly them to a nearby elementary school and reunite them with their families, Sgt. Eddie Young, with the state’s highway patrol, said.
In an Instagram post, the camp thanked emergency crews, saying, “We are beyond thankful for your help keeping our camp community safe.”
Young said that, meanwhile, campers at the Bearcat Getaway campground near the Black River, which is roughly 85 miles (140 kilometers) south of St. Louis, climbed onto a building to get away from the raging waters, but it then collapsed.
At least 100 people rescued
ABC News reported that at least 100 people were rescued across three counties in Missouri on Friday (local time) amid flooding and rapidly rising floodwaters. According to the Pacific Fire Protection District, at least 100 of these were water rescues.
Severe weather affects region
The National Weather Service (NWS) said the severe weather affected a wide region stretching from the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri eastward into much of the Ohio and Tennessee river valleys.
Several other states were also reported to be at risk of severe thunderstorms and flash flooding as the slow-moving storm system gradually shifted southward, AP reported. The weather service also issued flash flood warnings for the area as thunderstorms piled on one after another.
Officials also warned that an additional one to three inches of rainfall was expected on Saturday, with isolated higher amounts likely across the watch area through the evening.
Officials warn that an additional one to three inches of rainfall is expected Saturday, with isolated higher amounts possible across the watch area through the evening. Areas that recorded between six and 12 inches of rainfall on Friday morning remain highly vulnerable to severe and potentially life-threatening flooding.
State of emergency declared in Missouri, recovery efforts underway
Gov. Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency on Friday (local time) and activated a search and rescue team to assist. He said that hundreds of people were saved from floodwaters, trees, rooftops and stranded vehicles. Kehoe added, “Over the past 24 hours, intense storms have created dangerous flash flooding across several regions of Missouri, resulting in multiple swift-water rescues. Activating the State Emergency Operations Plan allows our agencies to move quickly, coordinate resources, and support local response efforts.”
Kehoe noted, “With additional heavy rain expected through the weekend, the threat is not over. If you’re camping, floating, or spending time near rivers and streams, move to higher ground and stay alert to weather conditions.”
Recovery efforts remain underway as officials continue to monitor flooding and warn of additional heavy rainfall across Missouri.
(with agency inputs)
About the Author
Swati Gandhi
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.
Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.
At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.
Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
