15 hikers feared missing after ‘terrifying’ flash flooding hits Grand Canyon

About 15 people are missing or unaccounted for after flash flooding hit the Grand Canyon around 2:30 PM local time (10:30 PM BST) on Saturday, according to the National Park Service (NPS). Sixty-two people have been airlifted out of the affected area since then, with more expected to follow. No injuries have been reported. Nikki Baggs, 41, who was among those airlifted, described the event as "terrifying."

She and her friends were at Phantom Ranch, a remote lodge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, when they decided to go out and enjoy the beautiful day. As soon as it started raining, they rushed to higher ground and waited for hours before being evacuated. Baggs expressed gratitude for the swift response from park rangers. The NPS initially reported looking for information on more than 20 people missing or unaccounted for, but later revised that number to "approximately 15."

Trails in the area have been closed due to significant damage caused by the flooding. The NPS is asking anyone with information about hikers or backpackers in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor to come forward. The NPS also warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecasted for Sunday and Monday, which could lead to more flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall, and changing trail and river conditions.