Grand Canyon flood: 15 people ‘missing’, dozens evacuated, heavy rainfall today could cause ‘more flash flooding’ | Today’s news
About 15 people may be missing after a flash flood in the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, United States, the National Park Service said in a statement on Sunday. Dozens of people were evacuated as a major flash flood in the Grand Canyon swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River, which flows through it, the agency said.
Flooding hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, the park service said, adding that it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate people and respond to missing persons. The flash flood, which began around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, was caused by rain on the Kaibab Plateau.
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“The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information on approximately 15 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following significant flooding in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29,” the statement said. press release.
No deaths, dozens evacuated
There were no deaths or injuries, the park service said in an email to AFP. As of Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated, and another was to be evacuated.
The flooding also knocked out the only water pipe that serves tourists and residents of the national park, officials said late Sunday.
Video footage taken by hikers shows a rush of muddy water rushing down the trail and under footbridges, as well as logs and other debris floating down the swollen rivers, accompanied by a dull roar.
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More than 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, which has a historic dining hall and dormitories and is a common hangout for rafters and on the river. No injuries were reported.
Erica Viola told The Associated Press that she was at Bright Angel Campground when the rain started Saturday afternoon, and she and about 50 other hikers watched as the creek rose and then debris began to flow around, including what appeared to be a dormitory. The group was airlifted to safety and their adventure ended two days early, she said.
Parth Desai was walking through a narrow passage in Bright Angel Canyon with a group of fellow doctors and a park ranger when the downpour began.
“We saw the creek flooding, waterfalls coming out of nowhere, boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere,” he said.
Later, as they headed toward Phantom Ranch, a fellow yelled “Up, up, up, up!” when a 4-foot (1-meter) wall of rubble headed toward them and they hit a patch of cacti, he said. They were eventually rescued by a helicopter that evening after returning to the Phantom Ranch area, he said.
What is expected on Monday?
More thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were possible through Monday, likely leading to “further flash flooding, debris flows, rocks and changing trail and river conditions,” the park service warned, according to AFP.
Starting Monday, tourists will also not be able to spend the night in lodges and hotels in Grand Canyon National Park. The park also asks residents who live there year-round to conserve water.
“These measures are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources,” the park said in a statement.
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Flooding damaged a key water pipeline to Grand Canyon National Park, X said, announcing water restrictions in its most visited area and bans on wood and charcoal cutting.
Some overnight accommodations will close, although the park will remain open for day use.
Flooding in Bright Angel Creek, which empties into the river, happened Saturday afternoon, leaving the park service searching for information about 15 people who may be missing or unaccounted for.
The rushes of water destroyed the footbridges across the creek and greatly altered the landscape, widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new river rapids.
As the park service tries to account for everyone in the area, it’s asking anyone with details of people walking or camping there to come forward. She said she is working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to continue evacuations Sunday.
“This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape the Grand Canyon is,” said Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University.
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Popular hiking spots including Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and part of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed Sunday while park officials surveyed the damage, the park said. Rafting on the Colorado River has also been halted for the time being.
About a half to 1 inch (1 centimeter to 2.5 centimeters) of rain fell in about 30 minutes in the rocky area where the elevation is steep, said National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow in Flagstaff.
“Most of it ran away immediately,” Johndrow said.
He said the flooding occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek comes from the north rim down to the Colorado River and drops about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters).
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Overnight stoppages in the park due to water supply problems are rare, although the pipes have experienced frequent failures over the years as they have long exceeded their expected lifespan.
Shutting down the park’s only natural gas pipeline is a blow to the Grand Canyon’s efforts to modernize its water infrastructure. A $208 million pipeline reconstruction and associated water supply system upgrade began in 2023, which the park service has called a key investment to ensure the park meets the needs of residents and visitors. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
