Environment

Albert Pike Campground in Arkansas: Flooding Kills 16 People

by Amy Judd | June 11, 2010 at 09:14 am

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At Least 16 Have Died at Albert Pike Campground in Caddo Gap Arkansas After Flooding

Some people are still stuck in the area after heavy rain and flash flooding hit the Albert Pike Campground in Arkansas. At least 16 people have confirmed to have been killed now, which is up from the original number of 12. There were reports issued that 20 people had died, but that has since been downgraded to 16. Bill Adler, the State Police spokesman told CNN that as this area is fairly remote and rugged, it is hard to reach everyone and rescue operations are still underway.

According to the Red Cross, there could have been as many as 300 people could be staying at the campground, but it is hard to know for sure as there is no registration at the sites.

A temporary morgue has been set up for those who have died and two helicopters are working in the area to help anyone still trapped. It is believed that children are among those who have died. The Associated Press is reporting that over three dozen people are still missing due to the flooding.

"The primary mission of the Arkansas state police working with local authorities right now is to get the living out of the area and locate the dead," Sadler told CNN

The water level in Montgomery and Pike counties was measured at 23.5 feet on Friday June 11 and the Little Missouri and Caddo Rivers rose by 20 feet overnight alone. The intense flooding was due to too much rain falling in one area in too short a time.

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln D-Arkansas made this statement to the media:

"As Arkansans, we have experienced our share of severe weather. Through it all, our citizens remain strong and resilient. Again, my heartfelt condolences to everyone who has been affected by this tragic weather event. I will continue to be in contact with state and local officials to monitor the progress of the situation,"

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Cheree (not verified)

at 14:06 on July 7th, 2010

Two weeks ago we operated on a very special dog. Lucky, as his rescuers call him, had been frantically pacing the shores of the Caddo River in the Albert Pike Campground where 20 campers lost their lives in a tragic flashflood in the early pre-dawn hours of June 11th. Lucky was apparently looking for his owners. We put together this little video of Lucky's Story. Maybe someone will recognize Lucky and know what happened to his family. www.youtube.com/azzorevet#p/a/u/0/Z2gqTQ-b4Sg