Authorities narrowed their search today for three people missing since a catastrophic flash flood in a camp ground in rural Arkansas.

The popular Albert Pike Recreation Area, a valley lying on the banks of the   Little Missouri River, about 100 miles southwest of Little Rock, saw the river rise from it's normal three to five feet to twenty feet in four hours. The massive rescue operation of some 200 people, by foot, horseback and kayak have recovered eighteen bodies so far,  with six of them younger than seven years old.

Much of the area contains unorganized campgrounds, and because of this, authorities have no way of knowing just how many people are missing. A phone line has been set up for relatives to report if they believe family of friends had planned to visit the area, and officials have relied on other clues, such as cars parked nearby, to estimate the scope of the rescue.

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Authorities say as many as 24 people are believed to be in the area, but could only confirm three for certain are unaccounted for. The area is known to have many caves and rocky areas in adjacent mountains, which has given some hope for rescuers.

Governor Mike Beebe visited the area and comforted survivors and families of victims, but was very distraught by the scene he found. In addition to the campers drowned in the flooding, some 200 people who live in the area were reported homeless after rising waters destroyed their homes, prompting  Red Cross rescue teams to provide emergency assistance.

"I've seen flooding before, but I've never seen water do this kind of damage," the governor said in a statement.

Beebe praised the rescue operations as "valiant" but admitted that he was very saddened when he found a stroller among the debris of the flood.

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Are you prepared for a flash flood? Whether camping or even in your own home, floods can catch you unaware. Read Flooding For Rookies and be prepared.