Flash flooding in the Grand Canyon claims lives and leads to evacuations

A severe flash flood in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, has forced dozens of people to evacuate and washed large boulders, pieces of metal and other debris into the Colorado River. A person died. The National Park Service said the body of a 46-year-old was recovered near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River. Employees of the responsible medical examiner were on site.

The national park administration was trying to clarify the whereabouts of 15 people who may be missing or whose whereabouts are unknown. No injuries were reported.

The flooding occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek flows from the North Rim down to the Colorado River, losing about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) of elevation. The masses of water destroyed footbridges and significantly changed the landscape. The flash flood also damaged the only water pipe that supplies water to tourists and residents of the national park, the park administration said.

Call to save water

Tourists can no longer stay in lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon National Park. The park administration also asked residents who live there all year round to save water.

Popular destinations such as Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed Sunday while employees assessed the damage. Rafting tours on the Colorado River have also been suspended for the time being. More than 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, which has a historic canteen and dormitories and is often used by rafting tourists to embark and disembark.