Travel News > June 2010 > USA National Park devastated by flood water

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USA National Park devastated by flood water

13/06/2010

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After heavy rain on Friday, a wall of water raged through a USA National Park killing 16 people, including six children. Campsites along the Missouri and Caddo rivers were affected by the flood and the Ouachita National Forest was the worst hit area. The Ouachita National Forest is popular with hikers and backpackers.

The heavy rain caused the Missouri and Caddo rivers to rise by as much as 8 feet in an hour, sending a wall of water tearing through campsites in the middle of the night where many people slept. In total, the rivers rose by a colossal 20 feet.

When the sun rose the next day, the water was still very high, but some survivors were able to wade to safety once they were able to see where they were going.

The flood caused widespread devastation, making rescue missions difficult. Helicopters, horses and canoes were all used to search for stranded campers.

Campers described the wall of water as a tsunami. The flood made quick work of flimsy tents, and it even demolished wooden cabins and overturned vehicles. Some survivors saw dead cows floating in the water.

Many people had to climb trees to escape the rapidly rising flood water. Some tried to hide in their cars but had to abandon them when the flood water became too deep.

When the flood water hit the campsites, many families became separated and were reunited some time later. Dozens were injured and taken to hospital, and the 16 that succumbed to the flood were all identified on Friday.

US President Barrack Obama offered his condolences to those who lost family and friends in the flash flood.

When the rivers burst their banks, the tsunami-like wave hit without warning, and many didn't stand a chance while they slept in their tents.

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