- Flash flooding at Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch on Saturday has left more than 20 people missing or unaccounted for, according to park officials.
- Sixty-two hikers were airlifted from trails on Saturday, with no injuries reported, as part of the rescue efforts by the National Park Service.
- The National Park Service is continuing evacuation and response efforts, seeking information on the missing individuals.
- As of Sunday morning, more than 60 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, with evacuees taken to Maswik Lodge Cafeteria.
- Park closures are in effect, including Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, North Kaibab Trail, and bridges, with the Colorado River closed to river traffic.
- The significant flash-flood event occurred in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, with about 1 inch of rain recorded over the past 24 hours.
- More storms are possible overnight into early Monday, which could produce additional flash flooding due to high rainfall rates.
Flash flooding at the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon has left more than 20 people missing or unaccounted for, according to park officials. The flooding primarily affected Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch, leading to significant evacuations and closures.12
As of Sunday, at least 62 hikers were airlifted to safety, with no injuries reported, the National Park Service (NPS) stated. The park service is actively seeking information about those missing, urging anyone with knowledge of hikers in the area to contact their tip line.3456
The NPS described the event as a “significant flash-flood event” and confirmed that evacuations are ongoing, with additional efforts planned from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch. David Gregory, a hiker who experienced the flooding, recounted, “We realized the creek near camp was black with debris and flowing rapidly.” He and his group were evacuated by helicopter and taken to a local high school.1112
The flooding has caused extensive damage, destroying nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek and leading to the closure of the Colorado River to traffic due to debris. The park staff is assessing damage to trails and facilities, while more flash flooding is possible as thunderstorms are forecasted for the coming days.
The NPS is coordinating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to ensure the safety of all individuals in the affected areas.
“The National Park Service and Arizona Department of Public Safety are coordinating evacuations, with additional planned from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch. The flooding has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the North Kaibab Trail, and bridges, while the Colorado River is closed to river traffic due to debris.”
BBC
