About 15 People Missing After Flash Flood Hits Grand Canyon
About 15 people may be missing after a flash flood swept through parts of Grand Canyon National Park in the US state of Arizona, the National Park Service said Sunday.
The flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday afternoon after heavy rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau. The flash flood began at around 2:30 pm, sending torrents of muddy water, logs and other debris through the canyon.
Videos recorded by hikers showed powerful currents rushing along trails and beneath footbridges as swollen waterways carried large amounts of debris.
The National Park Service said it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate visitors and determine the whereabouts of people who may be missing. Earlier, officials had said more than 20 people were believed to be missing.
As of Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated, while additional evacuations were planned.
Officials said there had been no reports of deaths or injuries from the flooding.
The flash flood also damaged a major water pipeline serving the Grand Canyon. Authorities imposed water restrictions in the park’s most visited areas and banned the use of wood and charcoal fires.
Some overnight accommodations will be closed, although the park will remain open for daytime visitors.
The National Park Service warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could continue through Monday, increasing the risk of further flash floods, debris flows, rockfalls and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.
