A critical search operation is underway for at least 15 hikers who went missing following a severe flash flood in the Grand Canyon. The torrent struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday afternoon, causing significant damage and necessitating the evacuation of over 50 people.
The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed that one individual, a 46-year-old man, died in the incident. Rescue teams utilized helicopters to evacuate individuals from the affected areas, navigating challenging weather conditions.
Officials are requesting public assistance to account for all individuals who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29. This includes those who may have been traveling the North Kaibab Trail, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or in the vicinity of "the Box" north of Phantom Ranch. Information is also sought from individuals with campground reservations in the impacted zone.
Apocalyptic footage emerged showing a surge of muddy water engulfing parts of the canyon, tearing through trails and sweeping away debris. Dramatic videos captured rescue operations as helicopters airlifted stranded individuals to safety.
Infrastructure damage was extensive, leading to the closure of hotels and concessions across the region. Park authorities announced that all overnight accommodations, including facilities operated by Xanterra and Delaware North, would be halted. The Bright Angel Creek area, known for its lush environment and the sole lodging below the canyon rim at Phantom Ranch, was particularly hard-hit.
Search and rescue crews airlifted 62 people from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail by Sunday morning, with further evacuations anticipated from Phantom Ranch and Cottonwood Campground. Park officials have shut down Phantom Ranch and the entire North Kaibab Trail until further notice, urging visitors to avoid closed areas.
This event echoes past flooding incidents in the Grand Canyon, including a significant event in September 1990 and severe damage to Phantom Ranch in 1966 following a heavy rainstorm. The Grand Canyon National Park, which attracts approximately five million visitors annually, is assessing the full extent of the damage to its infrastructure.