Emergency crews rescued approximately 20 people on Friday after a building at the Bearcat Getaway campground collapsed amid widespread flooding and heavy rainfall in Missouri. The incident occurred near the Black River in Reynolds County, located about 85 miles south of St. Louis.
The campers were on top of the building when it collapsed into the water, according to Sgt. Eddie Young with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Rescuers were able to reach the stranded individuals.
Multiple water rescues were conducted throughout the day, with the Reynolds County sheriff's office reporting over 90 rescues of both campers and individuals in vehicles. Several inches of rain fell overnight and into the morning across a broad area of central and eastern Missouri, prompting flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service. Meteorologist Matt Beitscher noted that some areas received between 6 and 12 inches of rain as thunderstorms repeatedly moved through.
Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency and activated a state search and rescue team to provide assistance. The flooding also rendered several major roads impassable due to damage, and a helicopter from the Missouri National Guard was deployed to aid in reaching stranded people. During rescue operations in Reynolds County, two emergency response boats capsized, but all personnel were safely recovered by other emergency responders. A family reunification center has been established.