A
AALARD
Guest
Flash flood hits Ark. campground, 16 dead
MENA, Ark., (UPI) -- Rescue teams searched Friday for survivors and victims in the mountains of western Arkansas, where flash floods in a national forest killed at least 16 people.
Gov. Mike Beebe, who earlier said 20 people were known to be dead, later said only 16 deaths had been confirmed, KTHV-TV, Little Rock, reported. The governor declared a state of emergency in two counties.
Beebe said search and rescue efforts were being hampered by high water and lack of cellphone service in parts of the Ouachita National Forest.
"I've seen flooding before, but I've never seen water do this kind of damage," Beebe said while touring the area. "While this tragedy occurred in Arkansas, many of these campers were visiting us from Louisiana and Texas, and our hearts go out to everyone who lost loved ones. We are continuing the search over a wide area and offering whatever help we can to the families of all these victims."
Bill Sadler, a state police spokesman, said many people were unaccounted for.
National Guard helicopters flew over the Ouachita Mountains searching for victims and survivors.
Rain began falling in the area 75 miles west of Little Rock early Thursday evening, the National Weather Service said. About 6 inches fell overnight in the Albert Pike Recreation Area, feeding small creeks that flow into the Little Missouri River, which rose 20 feet during the night.
The storm system moved into Arkansas from Texas, which has experienced violent storms this week.
President Barack Obama issued a brief statement of condolence.
"State and local first responders continue their critical life saving efforts on the ground. I have instructed (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) to be in close contact with Arkansas Emergency Management officials and to report back concerning any unmet needs; and I will ensure that FEMA continues to coordinate with our state and local partners throughout this tragedy," the president said.
MENA, Ark., (UPI) -- Rescue teams searched Friday for survivors and victims in the mountains of western Arkansas, where flash floods in a national forest killed at least 16 people.
Gov. Mike Beebe, who earlier said 20 people were known to be dead, later said only 16 deaths had been confirmed, KTHV-TV, Little Rock, reported. The governor declared a state of emergency in two counties.
Beebe said search and rescue efforts were being hampered by high water and lack of cellphone service in parts of the Ouachita National Forest.
"I've seen flooding before, but I've never seen water do this kind of damage," Beebe said while touring the area. "While this tragedy occurred in Arkansas, many of these campers were visiting us from Louisiana and Texas, and our hearts go out to everyone who lost loved ones. We are continuing the search over a wide area and offering whatever help we can to the families of all these victims."
Bill Sadler, a state police spokesman, said many people were unaccounted for.
National Guard helicopters flew over the Ouachita Mountains searching for victims and survivors.
Rain began falling in the area 75 miles west of Little Rock early Thursday evening, the National Weather Service said. About 6 inches fell overnight in the Albert Pike Recreation Area, feeding small creeks that flow into the Little Missouri River, which rose 20 feet during the night.
The storm system moved into Arkansas from Texas, which has experienced violent storms this week.
President Barack Obama issued a brief statement of condolence.
"State and local first responders continue their critical life saving efforts on the ground. I have instructed (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) to be in close contact with Arkansas Emergency Management officials and to report back concerning any unmet needs; and I will ensure that FEMA continues to coordinate with our state and local partners throughout this tragedy," the president said.
