Flash flooding along the Little Missouri River has devastated a very isolated campsite in rural Arkansas, killing at least 16 people and leaving many other campers in need of rescue. The State’s Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) have mobilized to address the flooding events along the Pike and Montgomery County line.

With dozen of campers stranded or unaccounted for, search and rescue teams from Montgomery, Pike and Clark Counties are working the area vigoruously. At this time they have rescued more than 30 people.

“Saving lives is priority number one, ADEM is ready to assist in providing as many resources as it takes to rescue those stranded,” said ADEM Deputy Director Jay Winters. Search and rescue operations are still underway, under the direction of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office.

The Arkansas Red Cross has mental health workers and food stations on scene to assist with the needs of both survivors and responders.

Hardest Hit Was Albert Pike Campground in Ouachita National Forest

Early in the morning of June 11, while campers slept, flash flooding hit the remote campsite in Ouachita National Forest.

Ouachita National Forest officials are closing the popular Albert Pike Campground in western Arkansas today after flash flooding caused serious damage to facilities and resulted in a number of fatalities.

The campground is located approximately 17 miles from Glenwood, Arkansas on the Caddo-Womble Ranger District. Known for rugged terrain and pristine waters like the adjacent Little Missouri River, the campground is a favorite outdoor spot for visitors.

“The Forest Service is deeply saddened by the tragic event which occurred early this morning on the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas.  A seasonal summer storm quickly turned into a flash flood incident taking the lives of at least 16 forest visitors, as accounted for at this time,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.  “The Forest Service is working closely with local law authorities as the search and rescue continues.  My deepest condolences, and those of our agency, go out to the families of those lost to this natural disaster.”

According to CNN, the campground registry was washed away, making it more difficult to determine the precise number of people in the camp. Additionally Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe told CNN’s Campbell Brown that many people don’t bother to sign the register.

Forest personnel are reporting major damage to vehicles, campground facilities and personal property at Albert Pike after a heavy storm stalled over the remote area. Many trees were downed as a result of fast moving waters causing area roads to be impassable.

Also, please note that the Childrens’s Fishing Derby originally scheduled to take place at Albert Pike Saturday, June 12, 2010 has been cancelled.

Follow the link to CNN for some videos of survivors and the flood waters.

Communications Hampered in Wilderness Conditions

Because of the lack of cell service in the area, ADEM has sent AWIN radios and satellite phones so responders are able to communicate with each other.

The State’s Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in coordination with the Department of Information Systems has set up a call center for the Arkansas flooding event in Montgomery and Pike Counties. This line is to gather information on possible missing persons as a result of this flood.

The phone number people can call is 888-683-2336. The call center will be open until 10 p.m. tonight and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Search and rescue is ongoing and updates will be sent out as they are received.

For information on Albert Pike Campground facilities or surrounding area, please contact
Tracy Farley at (479) 964-7200 or C.J. Norvell at (918) 567-2326.

For information on fatalities, please contact Fuzz Robins, Montgomery County Sheriff’s office at (870) 867-3151.

Arkansas Mobilizes Resources

Dr. Bill Mason, Public Health Preparedness Branch Chief said, “This is a terrible tragedy and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has plans for assisting with disaster recovery efforts. This includes identifying and arranging transport of deceased individuals. In addition, the ADH Emergency Medical Services Section is on standby. Two adjoining ambulance services have been sent through county mutual aid to affected perimeters. We have other regional ambulance services ready, if needed.”

After the emergency phase of the incident, the ADH will assist any well owners in the affected areas with sanitizing and testing of water wells and other environmental concerns.

An Incident Management Team is on the scene. Some Forest Service roads in the area may be closed for a few days due to roads/culverts/bridges being washed out or boulders deposited in the road. Area residents are encouraged to pay attention to signs closing roads. Even though damage may not be evident, there may be structural damage that resulted.