At least 15 people may be missing after flash flood in Arizona’s Grand Canyon

At least 15 individuals may be missing or unaccounted for following a major flash flood in Arizona's Grand Canyon on Saturday, according to the National Park Service. The flood struck near Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch, prompting park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety to evacuate over 60 people as of Sunday morning. No injuries have been reported at this time.

The National Park Service announced that Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen, cabins, and the North Kaibab Trail between the North Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch are closed indefinitely. Park officials have requested public assistance in locating those who may be missing or unaccounted for, specifically those who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday, as well as anyone with a campground reservation in the affected area.

The flash flood destroyed nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek, and the Colorado River is currently closed to river traffic due to metal structures and debris entering the waterway. The intense rainfall, amounting to half an inch to 1 inch (1-2.5cm) in just 30 minutes, overwhelmed the rocky terrain, where a steep elevation drop occurs. Meteorologist Justin Johndrow from the National Weather Service explained that most of the rain quickly ran off without soaking into the ground.

The flood occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek flows from the North Rim down to the Colorado River, descending approximately 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). Further rain and thunderstorms are possible in the region into Monday, according to updates from the National Weather Service.