Drone footage obtained by Fox Weather reveals a building collapsing into floodwaters at a Reynolds County campground in southeastern Missouri, triggering a search for up to 17 people. Five campers have been rescued.
The video shows the sheer force of water sweeping through Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park area. Trees are uprooted. Vehicles are submerged. Entire sections of the campground are underwater. The collapse was captured in real-time as a structure gave way under the pressure of rushing water.
Rescue teams located and extracted five campers initially reported missing. They were found clinging to trees and debris, hypothermic but alive. A flash flood emergency remains in effect for Reynolds and Iron counties. Creeks have overflowed their banks, cutting off roads and isolating communities.
Governor Mike Kehoe has signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency. The Missouri Emergency Operations Plan is now active. The National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and local first responders are coordinating efforts. Kehoe warned: “This is not over. More rain is coming.”
A stalled front combined with tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico unleashed 6-10 inches of rain in hours. The terrain in Reynolds County, with steep hills and narrow valleys, exacerbated runoff. Creeks turned into deadly rivers. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood emergency, but the speed and intensity caught many off guard.
Local shelters are open at Ellington High School and Centerville Community Center. Donations of bottled water, non-perishable food, and hygiene kits are urgently needed. The American Red Cross has set up a relief fund. Authorities urge residents to seek higher ground immediately.
Drones provide critical aerial surveillance. The footage is being used to map the flood zone and plan recovery operations.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What caused the flash flooding in Missouri?
- A: A stalled front combined with tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico unleashed 6-10 inches of rain in hours, overwhelming creeks and rivers.
- Q: How many people were rescued from the campground?
- A: Five campers were rescued, found clinging to trees and debris, hypothermic but alive.
- Q: What areas are affected by the flash flood emergency?
- A: Reynolds and Iron counties remain under a flash flood emergency, with creeks overflowing and roads cut off.
- Q: What is the current state of emergency response?
- A: Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency, activating the Missouri Emergency Operations Plan with National Guard and highway patrol coordinating.
- Q: Where can displaced residents find shelter?
- A: Local shelters are open at Ellington High School and nearby locations for those displaced by the floods.
Extended Reading
Source: Fox Weather. “Watch: Drone reveals devastating flash flooding sweeping through southeastern Missouri with more rain to come.” July 10, 2026.