More than 20 people are reportedly missing after a powerful flash flood struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, sending boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River, authorities said.
The National Park Service said it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate people from the affected areas and account for hikers and others who may have been in the path of the flooding. Officials also appealed to the public for information about anyone who may be missing.
The flash flood began in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River, at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Torrents of water swept away footbridges and significantly changed portions of the landscape.
Videos from the area showed a dramatically altered creek bed, with debris scattered across the canyon and what appeared to be a newly formed rapid in the Colorado River.
“This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape the Grand Canyon is,” said Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University.
What Caused The Flash Flood?
Erica Viola, one of the survivors, told The Associated Press that she was at Bright Angel Campground when heavy rain began Saturday afternoon.
Viola said she and about 50 other hikers watched as the creek rapidly rose and debris began rushing downstream. Among the debris was what appeared to be a bunkhouse, she said.
The group was later evacuated by helicopter, bringing Viola’s trip to an early end.
Justin Johndrow, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Flagstaff, said between 0.5 inch and 1 inch of rain fell in roughly 30 minutes over the rocky terrain.
“Most of it ran off instantly,” Johndrow said.
Bright Angel Creek originates near the North Rim and descends toward the Colorado River, dropping about 6,000 feet along its course. The steep terrain and intense rainfall contributed to the rapid runoff and flooding.
62 People Evacuated
By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch, a historic site featuring a canteen and dormitories that is also a popular stop for rafters traveling along the Colorado River. Additional evacuations were planned, the National Park Service said.
No injuries had been reported as of Sunday morning.
Officials warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could continue through Monday, raising the possibility of further flash floods, debris flows and rockfalls, while trail and river conditions could also change.
Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and sections of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed Sunday as park officials assessed the damage.
Rafting trips on the Colorado River have also been temporarily suspended.
The National Park Service urged visitors to stay away from the affected areas as crews continue evacuation efforts and assess the extent of the damage.
