Devastating flash floods ripped through Camp Evergreen in northern California late Saturday night, killing at least 24 people—many of them counselors—and leaving more than 20 children unaccounted for. The torrential rains, fueled by an atmospheric river event, overwhelmed the camp’s riverbank barriers and swept cabins downstream, according to the CNN report.
First responders described chaotic scenes as they waded through chest-high water searching for survivors. Captain Angela Ruiz of the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office told Reuters that “the water rose faster than anyone could have anticipated.” Early warning systems failed when power lines went down, leaving campers unaware of the imminent danger.
@Reuters “Floodwaters surged through Camp Evergreen in minutes—authorities confirm 24 fatalities, dozens missing.” Live updates
Heavy rain began around 9 p.m., and by 10:15 p.m. the nearby Sacramento River had crested at a record 32 feet—nearly 5 feet above flood stage—according to NOAA data. Camp director Mark Langley told ABC News that the floodwalls, built after a 2005 flood, proved inadequate against this unprecedented surge.
@NOAA “Northern California sees heaviest July rainfall in 70 years—river levels soared unexpectedly.” Climate alert
By dawn, helicopters from the U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard boats joined local fire departments to airlift injured campers to hospitals in Redding and Chico. More than 300 campers and staff were evacuated, but search teams remain stalled by debris and collapsed bridges.
Parents and relatives gathered at a makeshift command center set up at Shasta High School. “I’ve never been so scared in my life,” said Maria Hernandez, whose 12-year-old son was among the missing. “We just want to know if he’s alive.” The NBC News live stream showed volunteers handing out blankets, water, and comfort to anguished families.
@NBCNews “Parents hold vigil—desperate for news as more children remain unaccounted for after camp floods.” Watch
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Shasta and Tehama counties, unlocking FEMA assistance and mobilizing the California National Guard. “We’re doing everything we can to find survivors and support families,” Newsom said in a televised address.
@CAgovernor “State emergency declared—National Guard activated to assist flood rescue and relief.” Read statement
The camp, founded in 1962, hosts over 1,000 children each summer across two week-long sessions. It has been praised for outdoor education and mentorship programs, but had never experienced flooding of this magnitude. “We built here because the river was a safe distance away,” said board member Ellen McCarthy in a Los Angeles Times interview. “Nature proved us wrong.”
Climate scientists warn that atmospheric rivers—long, narrow bands of moisture sweeping off the Pacific—are intensifying with global warming. A PNAS study from 2020 projected a 25% increase in extreme downpours in California by 2050, raising concerns about infrastructure resilience.
@PNASNews “Study finds atmospheric rivers will bring more extreme rain events to West Coast.” Research link
Investigators from the California Department of Water Resources are examining whether flood-control maintenance was neglected. “Levee inspections were scheduled last month but postponed due to funding delays,” confirmed spokesperson Dr. Harold Kim to KCRA News. “We’ll review every protocol.”
Meanwhile, grief counselors from the American Red Cross are offering trauma support to survivors and families. “This disaster is multifaceted—loss, shock, and guilt may follow,” said volunteer coordinator Sarah Patel in a CNN segment. “We’re here to help process those emotions.”
@RedCross “Deploying mental-health teams in Shasta County—supporting flood survivors.” Relief efforts
As search teams press on, community vigils are planned tonight in Redding, Chico, and Sacramento. Under the hashtag #SaveCampKids, locals are organizing donations of dry clothes, sleeping bags, and snacks. Camp alumni across the country have launched fundraisers to rebuild cabins and install advanced flood-warning systems.
@CampAlumni “Our hearts are with Evergreen—fundraiser launched for survivors and rebuilding.” Join effort
For now, the fate of the missing children remains uncertain. Sheriff’s Dive Team Leader Jose Martinez vowed, “We won’t stop until every last camper is accounted for.” As the sun sets on this mountain valley scarred by floodwaters, the community clings to hope that more lives can be saved—and to the lesson that in an era of extreme weather, no place is off-limits to nature’s fury.
