1 person dead, more than a dozen missing in Grand Canyon flash floods

A flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park resulted in one death and at least a dozen people missing, prompting a massive search and rescue operation, according to the National Park Service. The incident occurred over the weekend, causing extensive damage to the park's infrastructure, including the destruction of the canyon's only water pipeline.

This has led to emergency water restrictions for the park's year-round residents and visitors. The floods also destroyed footbridges that provided access to the inner canyon's bottom on the north side of the Colorado River. Park authorities are continuing to assess the damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities, and other infrastructure.

The park has banned lodges and hotels inside the park due to water shortages and ongoing flood risks. Visitors are advised to conserve water while the system is stabilized. The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered along the Colorado River on Sunday evening, and a second body was found on Monday. The park remains open for day visitors, but some operations may be conducted on reduced hours.

The park's water delivery system rehabilitation project, which started in 2023, is expected to be completed next year to prevent such incidents in the future.