Emergency management
The American Red Cross estimated that over 200 people were in the areas affected by the floods at the time the floods hit. The missing were being searched for by National Guard helicopters. President Barack Obama pledged federal emergency assistance if it was required by Arkansas. Emergency management officials stated the search and rescue efforts would be difficult as the number of missing was unknown, and the missing were not necessarily confined to campsites. A logbook at the Albert Pike Recreational Area that would have helped track the whereabouts of hikers was swept away in the flood, leaving rescuers with little idea how many hikers could be missing. Rescue efforts were also hampered by roads rendered inaccessible by the flooding; some searchers used canoes or kayaks. A call center set up by the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management received inquiries in respect of 73 people who may have been missing.