Grand Canyon, US: A sudden flash flood tore through parts of Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday, sweeping away debris and damaging trails and crossings, while more than 20 people were reported missing as authorities launched evacuation and search efforts.
The flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on August 29, sending a powerful surge of water and debris toward the Colorado River. Large rocks, metal structures and other material were carried downstream as the normally narrow Bright Angel Creek rose rapidly.
The National Park Service said it was coordinating with authorities in Arizona to evacuate visitors and determine the whereabouts of people who may have been in the affected areas. Officials also appealed to the public for information about missing individuals and hikers who were believed to have been in the canyon.
62 People Evacuated
By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch, a popular stop along the Colorado River that includes a historic canteen and accommodation facilities used by hikers and river travellers.
No injuries had been reported among those evacuated at that point. Additional evacuations were also being planned as officials assessed conditions and the extent of the damage.
Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and sections of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed while park personnel inspected the area. Commercial rafting activity on the Colorado River was also temporarily suspended.
Heavy Rain Triggered Rapid Flooding
The flash flood began at approximately 2:30 pm Saturday along Bright Angel Creek, which flows from the North Rim toward the Colorado River.
National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow said the area received roughly 0.5 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm) of rain in about 30 minutes. Because the canyon consists of steep, rocky terrain, much of the rainfall rapidly flowed downhill instead of being absorbed by the ground.
Bright Angel Creek descends approximately 6,000 feet (1,828 metres) from the North Rim to the Colorado River, creating conditions in which intense rainfall can quickly transform into a dangerous torrent.
The force of the flood destroyed footbridges across the creek and substantially reshaped portions of the surrounding landscape. Video footage from the area appeared to show a wider creek channel and a newly formed rapid in the waterway.
Hikers Caught in the Flood
Among those caught in the sudden flooding was Erica Viola, who told the Associated Press that she was staying at Bright Angel Campground when heavy rain began.
Viola said she and roughly 50 other hikers watched the creek rise rapidly before a large amount of debris began moving through the water. She recalled seeing objects, including what appeared to be part of a bunkhouse, being swept along by the flood.
The group was eventually evacuated by helicopter, bringing Viola’s planned Grand Canyon trip to an unexpected early end.
Jack Schmidt, director of the Centre for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, said the incident demonstrated how quickly the Grand Canyon’s landscape can change in response to powerful natural events.
More Severe Weather Possible
Park officials warned that thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could continue through Monday. Further rain could trigger additional flash floods, debris flows and rockfalls, while also creating rapidly changing conditions along trails and the Colorado River.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and account for people who may have been in the affected areas. Visitors have been urged to stay away from closed sections of the park and follow official safety instructions while recovery and assessment operations continue.
