Flash Flood Strikes Grand Canyon, 20 Missing and Dozens Evacuated
SCMP · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A major flash flood struck Bright Angel Creek within Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Saturday afternoon, August 29, triggering an urgent search and rescue operation that continues into Sunday. The U.S. National Park Service reports more than 20 people may be missing or unaccounted for following the flood, which destroyed infrastructure and altered the landscape significantly .
Key Points
- Flash flood occurred at Bright Angel Creek on Saturday afternoon, sweeping boulders, metal structures and debris into the Colorado River
- More than 20 individuals remain missing or unaccounted for; authorities have asked anyone with information about hikers in the area to come forward
- 62 people were evacuated from the area as of Sunday morning, including over 60 from Phantom Ranch, with additional evacuations planned
- Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, preventing hikers from crossing; the creek bed was significantly widened
- Grand Canyon National Park closures include Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, North Kaibab Trail and the Colorado River to river traffic
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the volatility of canyon environments during monsoon season, with meteorologists warning that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible through Monday, potentially causing further flash flooding and debris flows . Park officials and the Arizona Department of Public Safety continue coordination efforts as they work to account for all individuals who may have been in the affected corridor on Saturday .
The incident underscores the volatility of canyon environments during monsoon season, with meteorologists warning that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible through Monday, potentially causing further flash flooding and debris flows . Park officials and the Arizona Department of Public Safety continue coordination efforts as they work to account for all individuals who may have been in the affected corridor on Saturday .