National Park Service Issues Plea After Grand Canyon Flash Flood

Approximately 15 people are missing after a “significant” flash flood event took place in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Saturday, causing large boulders and metal structures to be swept into the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon National Park said 62 people had been evacuated by Sunday morning in the popular Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch tourist areas. In a statement, park officials asked the public to provide any information on the individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for. CNN said a previous figure of 20 people missing was a working estimate from the park. No injuries have been reported as of Sunday afternoon. The flooding seriously impacted infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon, according to the park, with nearly all footbridges spanning the creek destroyed, eliminating hiker access across the creek and creating what appeared to be a new river rapid. The park warns that more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible into Monday, which could result in more flash flooding, debris and rockfall. Hiker Parth Desai told the Associated Press he was hiking through a narrow passage in Bright Angel Canyon when the downpour began. “We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere, boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere,” he said. Anyone with information about people who may have been hiking or backpacking can call the NPS Investigative Services Branch Tip Line on 888-653-0009.

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