At least 15 people may be missing or unaccounted for after a major flash flood swept through Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, prompting evacuations and the closure of trails, facilities and the Colorado River to river traffic.
ARIZONA, US — A major flash flood struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday afternoon, leaving at least 15 people potentially missing or unaccounted for, according to the National Park Service. More than 60 people had been evacuated from the affected area by Sunday morning, and no injuries had been reported at that time.
Key Highlights
- At least 15 people may be missing or unaccounted for after the flash flood.
- More than 60 people were evacuated from the affected area by Sunday morning.
- Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and parts of the North Kaibab Trail were closed until further notice.
- Nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek were destroyed.
- The Colorado River was closed to river traffic because metal structures and debris were entering the river.
- More rain and thunderstorms were possible in the area through Monday.
Grand Canyon Flash Flood Triggers Search for Missing People
The flash flood hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon. Park officials later said at least 15 people could be missing or unaccounted for.
The National Park Service urged the public to provide information about hikers or backpackers who may have been in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday. Officials also asked for information about anyone with a campground reservation in the affected area.
More Than 60 People Evacuated
Park staff and the Arizona department of public safety had evacuated more than 60 people from the affected area by Sunday morning.
No injuries had been reported as of Sunday, according to the National Park Service. However, the extent of damage to infrastructure has led officials to close several locations until further notice.
Phantom Ranch and Trails Closed
Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins were closed following the flooding. The entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch was also closed.
The closures remain in place until further notice as authorities assess the aftermath of the flood and continue dealing with the consequences along Bright Angel Creek.
Footbridges Destroyed by Flooding
Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed during the flash flood, according to park officials. Images released by the National Park Service showed remnants of stone bridge pylons along the creek.
The damage has also affected the Colorado River. River traffic has been suspended until further notice because metal structures and debris have entered the water.
Heavy Rain Fell in a Short Period
Justin Johndrow, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Flagstaff, told the Associated Press that roughly half an inch to 1 inch of rain fell within about 30 minutes in the rocky area.
Johndrow said much of the rainfall ran off almost immediately. The affected area has a steep elevation drop, creating conditions in which water can move rapidly through the canyon.
According to the meteorologist, the flooding occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek flows from the North Rim toward the Colorado River. The creek’s route involves an elevation drop of about 6,000 feet.
More Storms Possible Through Monday
The weather threat had not completely passed after the initial flooding. More rain and thunderstorms were possible in the area through Monday, according to the supplied report.
With people still potentially unaccounted for, major trail and facility closures in place, and extensive damage reported along Bright Angel Creek, authorities continue to assess the impact of the flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
