An urgent search is underway in the Grand Canyon for more than a dozen people who may be missing or unaccounted for following a major flash flood that struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.
As of Sunday morning, National Park Service officials reported that 62 individuals had been evacuated from the affected region. Authorities are now asking for the public's help to account for approximately 15 people who may have been in the area when the significant flooding occurred.
Muddy floodwater and debris were observed throughout Bright Angel Canyon, with nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek destroyed by the powerful currents. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is assisting park staff with ongoing evacuation and response operations.
Officials are specifically requesting information about hikers, backpackers, or anyone with a campground reservation who was in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek. This includes individuals who may have been traveling on the North Kaibab Trail between the trailhead and Phantom Ranch, or staying at the Bright Angel Campground, or passing through an area known as "the Box" north of Phantom Ranch.
More thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible Sunday and Monday, increasing the risk of further flash flooding, debris flows, and rockfall in the park. The park service has not released details about the individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for.
Anyone with information regarding people who were in the affected corridor is encouraged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or email [email protected].