Dozens evacuated and about 15 missing after Grand Canyon flash flood | Floods News
More than 60 Evacuated After Flash Flooding in Grand Canyon
Over 60 people were evacuated on Saturday following significant flash flooding in the Grand Canyon, where large boulders and debris were swept into the Colorado River, according to the National Park Service.
As of Sunday morning, 62 individuals had been removed from the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas after heavy rains triggered the flooding. The National Park Service reported that the flooding had disrupted the landscape, resulting in damage to footbridges over Bright Angel Creek and creating new rapid formations in the river.
The park is currently seeking information on approximately 15 individuals who remain missing or unaccounted for since the inundation. “The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for these individuals following a significant flash-flood event,” the agency stated.
Major tourist destinations, including the Bright Angel Campground and parts of the North Kaibab Trail, were closed as park officials conducted assessments of the damage. Additionally, rafting operations on the Colorado River have been temporarily suspended.
Witnesses describe the sudden flooding as chaotic. Parth Desai, who was hiking with a group of doctors and a park ranger, recalled the intense scene: “We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere; boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere,” he told The Associated Press.
Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, noted the event illustrates the dynamic nature of the Grand Canyon’s landscape.
The Grand Canyon National Park Service is collaborating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for ongoing evacuation efforts, with no reported injuries thus far. Meteorologists predict additional rain and thunderstorms in the region through Monday.
