At Least 15 Unaccounted for After Grand Canyon Flash Flood
A flash flood in Arizona’s Grand Canyon left at least 15 people unaccounted for, prompted more than 60 evacuations and forced closures around Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch.
In short
- A flash flood in Arizona’s Grand Canyon left at least 15 people unaccounted for, prompted more than 60 evacuations and forced closures around Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch.
At least 15 people were missing or unaccounted for after a flash flood swept through part of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Saturday, August 29, the US National Park Service said.
Park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety had evacuated more than 60 people by Sunday morning from the area around Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch. Officials reported no injuries at that point.
The flood destroyed nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek and carried metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River. Authorities closed the river to traffic, along with Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch canteen and cabins, and the North Kaibab Trail between its trailhead and Phantom Ranch.
The National Park Service asked anyone with information about hikers, backpackers or people holding campground reservations in the affected corridor on August 29 to contact officials. Search and accounting efforts were continuing.
A National Weather Service meteorologist told the Associated Press that roughly half an inch to one inch of rain fell in about 30 minutes over steep, rocky terrain, producing rapid runoff. Additional rain and thunderstorms were possible through Monday, August 31.
