Flash floods swept through Arizona's Grand Canyon on Saturday, leaving at least 20 hikers and backpackers unaccounted for, according to park officials and news reports.
Authorities are actively searching for the missing individuals, who are believed to have been hiking in areas near Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch. The National Park Service, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, is working to identify and locate those who may have been in the affected zones. The public has been asked to assist in identifying people who were traveling along the North Kaibab Trail from the trailhead to Phantom Ranch. This includes anyone staying at Bright Angel Campground or in the area known as 'the Box' north of Phantom Ranch.
Over 62 people were evacuated from the region due to the sudden and severe flooding. The event also destroyed all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek, rendering creek crossings impossible.
Videos from the scene depicted mudslides tearing through the landscape. The Black and Silver bridges, which provide access to the Colorado River in the area, are now closed indefinitely due to debris in the water. A press release stated that there is no estimated reopening date and further inner canyon closures may be necessary.
Phantom Ranch, a popular lodge located near Bright Angel Creek, is within the affected area.