Flash Flood Strikes Grand Canyon, Leaving 15 Missing and Destroying Infrastructure

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Grand Canyon, Arizona: Search and rescue operations are underway in Grand Canyon National Park after a sudden, violent flash flood swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, leaving approximately 15 people unaccounted for and destroying vital park infrastructure.

The disaster struck on Saturday afternoon following intense rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau, which dropped up to an inch of rain within 30 minutes over steep terrain and sent a torrent of water, mud, and boulders roaring down Bright Angel Creek toward the Colorado River. 

Aerial rescue teams, operating in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, have successfully airlifted over 60 hikers, campers, and staff out of the inner canyon, with additional evacuations continuing. No injuries or fatalities have been reported among those rescued so far.

The floodwaters destroyed nearly all footbridges along Bright Angel Creek, severely altered the canyon floor, and damaged the park's primary water pipeline, forcing authorities to suspend overnight lodging on the South Rim to conserve water resources. 

The National Park Service has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the North Kaibab Trail, and access bridges across the Colorado River until further notice. With additional thunderstorms forecast through Monday, officials warn of potential secondary flash floods, rockfalls, and hazardous trail conditions as search teams work to locate the missing.

Pic Credit: AFP