A significant flash flood at the Grand Canyon in Arizona led to the evacuation of numerous individuals and carried sizable boulders, metal structures, and debris into the Colorado River, according to the U.S. National Park Service. The flood occurred in Bright Angel Creek, a tributary to the river, on Saturday afternoon, prompting concerns about 15 missing or unaccounted individuals. The rushing waters destroyed footbridges over the creek, reshaped the landscape, and created a new river rapid.
Efforts are underway by the park service to locate all individuals in the affected area, and anyone with information on hikers or campers in the vicinity is urged to come forward. Collaborating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the park service is continuing evacuation operations. Jack Schmidt, from the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, emphasized the dynamic nature of the Grand Canyon landscape.
Several popular tourist locations such as Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and parts of the North Kaibab trail remain closed as officials assess the aftermath. Rafting activities on the Colorado River have been suspended temporarily. Over 60 people were rescued from Phantom Ranch, a historic site with accommodations for rafters. Further evacuations are scheduled, with no reported injuries.
Erica Viola recounted witnessing the rising creek and debris flow while at Bright Angel campground, leading to a helicopter rescue for her group. Meteorologist Justin Johndrow from the National Weather Service explained that the intense rainfall of 1.2 to 2.5 centimeters in 30 minutes caused the flooding in the steep, rocky terrain. The flooding occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek descends from the North Rim to the Colorado River.
The region faces the potential for more rain and thunderstorms extending into Monday, posing ongoing challenges for recovery efforts.