More than 20 people are missing after a sudden flash flood caused widespread destruction in the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States. The flooding hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, sweeping away debris, damaging infrastructure and dramatically changing parts of the landscape.
According to the National Park Service, the flash flood began around 2:30 pm on Saturday in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River. Powerful torrents of water carried large boulders, metal structures and other debris downstream.
The authorities have confirmed one death so far. The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered following the disaster. Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate those who remain unaccounted for.
Videos from the affected area show the scale of the destruction. Footbridges across the creek were swept away, while the force of the water appears to have widened parts of the creek bed and created a new rapid.
More than 60 people have already been evacuated from Phantom Ranch. The historic location, which includes a canteen and accommodation facilities, is a popular stopping point for hikers and Colorado River rafters.
One survivor, Erica Viola, told the Associated Press that she was at Bright Angel Campground when heavy rain began. Around 50 hikers watched as the creek rapidly rose and debris started rushing through the area. The group was eventually evacuated by helicopter.
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow, around half an inch to one inch of rain fell within roughly 30 minutes. Because the area is rocky and has a steep elevation drop, much of the rainfall quickly turned into runoff.
Bright Angel Creek descends from the North Rim toward the Colorado River, dropping around 6,000 feet. The steep terrain can make sudden rainfall particularly dangerous.
Authorities have warned that more thunderstorms and heavy rain could hit the region through Monday. Further flash floods, debris flows and rockfalls remain possible, while trail and river conditions could change rapidly.
Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and sections of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed as officials assessed the damage. Rafting activities on the Colorado River have also been temporarily suspended.
The National Park Service is coordinating with Arizona authorities to account for missing people and continue evacuations and rescue operations. Officials have also appealed to the public and hikers who were in the area for any information that could help locate those still missing.
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