Grand Canyon Under Storm Threat After Deadly Weekend Floods
Another round of heavy rain is threatening to complicate search-and-rescue efforts in the Grand Canyon, where two people died and more than a dozen are still missing after catastrophic floods swept through popular hiking areas Saturday.
Heavy rains threaten rescue operations at Grand Canyon after deadly floods
Severe storms dumped a month's worth of rain in the Grand Canyon National Park this weekend, triggering flash floods that have left two people dead and over a dozen missing, according to the National Park Service. The US National Weather Service estimated rainfall rates of over 1 inch per hour could occur through Monday night, leaving the region extremely vulnerable to further flash flooding.
The floods began around 2:30 p.m. local time on Saturday in Bright Angel Canyon, prompting evacuations in the Phantom Ranch area, a popular hiking destination located on the canyon floor. As of Sunday evening, the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered, and the death toll rose to two on Monday morning. Search and recovery efforts continue, with the National Park Service conducting air evacuations for approximately 50 people near Phantom Ranch, accessible only by river raft, foot, or mule.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety, Grand Canyon National Park staff, and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office are aiding in these operations. The Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies campgrounds and lodging, sustained damage, leaving the park with limited water reserves. Due to water shortages, the park will remain open for day use and "dry camping" only.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
