Flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park leaves about 15 people missing
Quick Look
About 15 people may be missing after a flash flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch in Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday, with no confirmed deaths or injuries reported as authorities work to evacuate and account for individuals.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Flash floods in the Grand Canyon can occur suddenly due to rainfall on elevated plateaus, posing risks to hikers and visitors in remote areas.
About 15 people may be missing after a flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service said in a statement Sunday.
The floods hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, the service said, adding that it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate people and account for missing individuals.
Earlier, the park service said that more than 20 people were believed missing.
There were no confirmed deaths or injuries, the park service said in an email.
The flash flood, which began about 2.30pm on Saturday, was caused by rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau, it said.
Torrents of water wiped out footbridges over the creek and significantly altered the landscape, widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new river rapid.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Search and rescue operations will continue to account for all missing individuals
Very likely · Within days
Assessments of damage to footbridges and landscape will be conducted
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- How many people were ultimately accounted for after evacuation efforts?
- What specific damage was caused to trails and infrastructure beyond footbridges?
- Are there any long-term closures or safety advisories in effect for the affected areas?
