More than 20 people are feared missing or unaccounted for after a "terrifying" flash flood struck parts of the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
Sixty-two individuals have been airlifted out of the affected region, with additional rescues anticipated. As of Saturday evening, no injuries had been reported. The NPS stated that the flooding caused substantial damage in certain areas, leading to the closure of local trails.
The park service has warned of further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected on Sunday and Monday. These conditions could trigger additional flash floods, debris flows, rockfalls, and alter trail and river conditions. The NPS is requesting information from anyone who may know of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday.
The Grand Canyon is a highly frequented national park, drawing approximately five million visitors annually. The Bright Angel trail is its most popular hiking route. The Phantom Ranch area is accessible only by foot, mule, or by rafting the Colorado River.