Hikers feared missing after flash flooding hits Grand Canyon

More than two dozen individuals may be missing or unaccounted for following flash flooding in parts of the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon. The National Park Service (NPS) reported the incident occurred in Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area around 2:30 PM local time (10:30 PM BST). So far, 62 people have been airlifted out of the area, with additional evacuations anticipated. No injuries have been confirmed at this time.

The NPS stated that the flooding caused significant damage and that trails in the region have been closed. They warned of more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected over the weekend, which could result in additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall, and changes in trail and river conditions. The NPS urged anyone with information on hikers or backpackers in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek on Saturday to contact them.

The Grand Canyon, a highly visited national park in the United States, saw approximately five million visitors last year. The Bright Angel trail is its most popular hiking route. Access to the Phantom Ranch area is limited to foot, mule, or rafting the Colorado River, according to Grand Canyon National Park Lodges.