Flash flood strikes Grand Canyon in US: 15 missing, over 60 evacuated
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An estimated 15 people may be missing and at least 62 have been evacuated after a powerful flash flood tore through parts of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park Photograph: (AFP)
A powerful flash flood hit Arizona’s Grand Canyon, leaving around 15 people potentially missing and forcing over 60 evacuations. Footbridges and infrastructure were destroyed, the park’s water pipeline was damaged and overnight lodging and rafting trips were suspended.
At least 15 people are missing and at least 62 have been evacuated after a powerful flash flood tore through parts of Grand Canyon National Park in the United States' Arizona. It destroyed footbridges and severely damaging infrastructure, park officials said. The National Park Service in a statement said that the flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday and then series of storms swept through the Grand Canyon. Search and rescue efforts were continuing to locate the missing people. The National Park Service has appealed to the public for information about hikers and backpackers who may have been in the affected areas. No casualties have been reported at the time of publishing.
All footbridges over Bright Angel Creek was destroyed due to the floods cutting the access for hikers. They were later evacuated by helicopter and taken to safety. Large boulders, metal structures and other debris were seen in the Colorado River in the videos on social media. Authorities also warned that the threat was not fully over and further storms are possible, with rainfall rates of up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) per hour recorded in parts of the canyon. Rangers warned that additional rain could trigger more flash flooding, debris flows and rockfalls, while further altering trail and river conditions.
As the flash floods wreaked havoc in Grand Canyon, people were evacuated from the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab trail and these places were remained closed until further notice. Additionally, lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon National Park were all closed and the park is also asking residents who live there year-round to conserve water. “These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources,” the park said in a statement.
