About 15 people missing after Grand Canyon flash flood

About 15 individuals may be unaccounted for following a flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park, according to the National Park Service. Footage captured by trekkers reveals a thunderous deluge of muddy water cascading through a trail and beneath footbridges, accompanied by logs and debris floating downstream in swollen rivers.

The flood struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch region on Saturday, prompting the park service to collaborate with Arizona authorities for evacuation efforts and missing person searches.

Initially, the park service estimated that over 20 people could be missing. The flood originated around 2:30 pm on Saturday due to rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities or injuries. By Sunday morning, 62 people had been successfully evacuated, with more evacuations planned. The park service cautioned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall through Monday could lead to further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall, and alterations to trail and river conditions.

The flood inflicted damage on a critical water pipeline supplying Grand Canyon National Park, leading to water restrictions in the most frequented area and a prohibition on wood and charcoal fires. Overnight accommodations will undergo closure, although the park remains open for day use.