Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leaves 15 Unaccounted for as Dozens Are Evacuated

Arizona: A powerful flash flood swept through parts of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, forcing the evacuation of dozens of people and leaving around 15 individuals unaccounted for, as rescue teams continue searching areas damaged by fast-moving water and debris. The flooding hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area at about 2:30 p.m. on August 29, according to the National Park Service. Heavy rainfall caused water to surge through Bright Angel Creek, damaging trails, bridges and other infrastructure in the inner canyon.

At least 62 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower portion of the North Kaibab Trail following the flooding. Further evacuations were also carried out from areas including Cottonwood Campground. Evacuees were transported to the South Rim, where assistance was being coordinated with emergency agencies.

The National Park Service has appealed to the public for information about people who may have been in the affected areas when the flooding occurred. Authorities had initially been trying to account for more than 20 people, but the number has since fallen to around 15 as some individuals have been located or confirmed safe.

Officials stressed that being listed as unaccounted for does not necessarily mean that a person is confirmed missing. Search teams are continuing to compare information from visitors, hikers and campground users to determine who remains in the affected area. The flooding has also resulted in at least one death. Reports said the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near the Colorado River following the disaster. Search-and-rescue operations remain active as authorities work to locate anyone who may still be stranded or missing.

The scale of the flooding has caused significant damage inside the canyon. Several footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, while rocks, mud and other debris were swept downstream toward the Colorado River. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and the North Kaibab Trail have been closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River have also been closed because of the dangerous conditions and damage.

The flooding has affected more than hiking routes. Damage to the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water to parts of the Grand Canyon, has forced officials to impose severe water restrictions on the South Rim. Overnight hotel accommodations inside the park are also being suspended as authorities manage limited water supplies.

The National Park Service has warned that the danger may not be over. Additional thunderstorms could produce more flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall, potentially making rescue operations more difficult and creating new hazards for visitors and emergency crews. Flash floods are particularly dangerous in the Grand Canyon because rainfall can quickly move through steep and narrow canyon channels. Storms occurring upstream or in higher elevations can send large volumes of water into areas that may appear relatively dry to people nearby.

Authorities are urging visitors to stay away from closed areas and follow all park safety instructions while search-and-rescue teams continue their work. The priority remains accounting for everyone who may have been in the affected corridor, completing evacuations and assessing the extensive damage. Officials have not yet announced when the closed trails and facilities will reopen.