Heavy rains that hit Missouri caused catastrophic flooding that left at least one person dead, forced the rescue of more than 350 people and triggered a vast emergency operation that included the air evacuation of hundreds of children and adults trapped at a summer camp.

Authorities reported that the rescues were carried out Friday in three counties in the state, where rapidly rising water levels left communities isolated, roads destroyed and dozens of people trapped.

According to the Pacific Fire Protection District, about 100 of the rescues were water rescue operations. The remainder involved the evacuation of members from Camp Taum Sauk, located in Reynolds County.

More than 200 campers evacuated using Black Hawk helicopters

One of the most complex operations occurred at Camp Taum Sauk, where 168 teenagers and about 60 adults were trapped after intense rains that caused the level of the Black River to rise rapidly.

The National Guard deployed Black Hawk helicopters to evacuate a total of 202 campers and staff members, who were safely flown to St. Louis to reunite with their families.

Videos released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol show the minors, ages 8 to 16, boarding the aircraft while emergency crews coordinated the rescue.

Authorities said several campers who had taken shelter on the roof of a collapsed building were also rescued. However, teams continued to search the area among the rubble on Saturday to rule out missing people.

In addition to Camp Taum Sauk, officials at the nearby Bearcat Getaway campground reported that all of their visitors and workers were safe after temporarily closing the facility.

A woman died and the risk of new rains persists

In Crawford County, authorities confirmed the lifeless discovery of Faith Gregory, who had been reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters near Huzzah Creek. His body was located approximately two miles downstream from his home.

While emergency efforts continue, forecasts remain on alert for much of the state. Authorities warned that between one and three additional inches of rain could still be recorded, with higher accumulations in some sectors.

Areas that have already received between six and twelve inches of precipitation remain especially vulnerable to further flash flooding.

State of emergency declared in Missouri

Given the magnitude of the disaster, Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency to facilitate the mobilization of state resources and strengthen the response of rescue teams.

State authorities asked the population to avoid driving on flooded roads or attempting to cross areas covered by water.

According to the state government, more than half of flood-related deaths in Missouri are people trapped inside vehicles.

Although some people remain isolated because roads were destroyed by the force of the water, emergency teams indicated that they are safe and continue working to restore access to affected communities.

With soils completely saturated and further rain expected over the weekend, authorities warned that the risk of life-threatening flooding remains in several regions of the state.