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Fatal floods sweep south-central US states of Arkansas and Nebraska. Torrential rains
overnight on Friday, June 11 caused the Caddo and Little Missouri Rivers in western Arkansas
to swell to an unprecedented height of 20 feet, unleashing a wall of floodwaters that
rose a rapid 8 feet per hour, sweeping away cabins, tents and recreational vehicles. At
least 16 vacationers, including children, perished in the middle of the night at the
Albert Pike campground in the Ouachita Mountains, with many more still missing as dozens were
rescued and at least 25 people hospitalized. State Governor Mike Beebe conveyed his own
and fellow citizens’ shock at the suddenness and severity of the event as search and rescue
operations continued with the help of horses, helicopters, canoes, and all-terrain vehicles.
Meanwhile, another fast-moving storm packed with powerful winds and heavy rains bore down
in northeast Nebraska, flooding roads, uprooting trees, and downing power lines. While Governor
Dave Heineman declared a state of emergency for the extensive damage and the Nebraska
Emergency Management Agency is assessing the scope of repairs needed, there were fortunately
no lives lost or injuries reported.
Our appreciation, Your Excellencies and all emergency personnel, for your concern and
caring actions. We join in sadness for the lives lost as we pray for the protection of
the flood-afflicted and that such intense conditions are eased with humanity’s calming
kindness toward the ecosphere�