Flash Flood at Grand Canyon Leaves 20 Missing, Dozens Evacuated
On Saturday afternoon, a significant flash flood impacted the Grand Canyon, rushing through Bright Angel Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River. This event caused the destruction of footbridges and significantly changed the terrain. The US National Park Service indicated that over 20 individuals might be missing or unaccounted for, prompting the evacuation of numerous people. The flood transported large boulders and metal debris into the river, expanded the creek bed, and formed what seems to be a new rapid. Evacuations persisted on Sunday with help from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Popular sites such as Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch were closed, while rafting on the Colorado River was suspended. Jack Schmidt from Utah State University remarked on the event as a reminder of the Grand Canyon's ever-changing landscape. The park service requested anyone with information about hikers or campers in the vicinity to step forward.
Key facts
- Flash flood hit Bright Angel Creek on Saturday afternoon.
- More than 20 people may be missing or unaccounted for.
- Dozens of people were evacuated.
- Footbridges over the creek were wiped out.
- The landscape was significantly altered, widening the creek bed and creating a new rapid.
- Evacuations continued on Sunday with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
- Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and parts of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed.
- Rafting trips on the Colorado River were halted.
Entities
Institutions
- US National Park Service
- Arizona Department of Public Safety
- Centre for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University
Locations
- Grand Canyon
- Bright Angel Creek
- Colorado River
- Bright Angel Campground
- Phantom Ranch
- North Kaibab Trail
- Arizona
- United States