A significant flash flood occurred at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, prompting the evacuation of numerous individuals and causing the Colorado River that flows through the area to carry away large rocks, metal structures, and other debris, according to the U.S. National Park Service. The flash flood also damaged the only water pipeline serving tourists and residents in the national park, leading to the closure of lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon National Park for overnight stays starting Monday. The park has urged year-round residents to conserve water.
The flooding took place in Bright Angel Creek on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the park service seeking information about 15 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for. The rushing water destroyed footbridges over the creek, altered the landscape significantly, and created what appears to be a new river rapid.
Efforts are underway to locate all individuals in the affected area, with the park service requesting anyone with information about hikers or campers in the vicinity to come forward. Collaborating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the park service continued evacuations on Sunday. Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, highlighted the dynamic nature of the Grand Canyon landscape.
Key tourist spots like Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and sections of the North Kaibab trail remain closed as park officials assess the damage. Rafting trips on the Colorado River have also been suspended. Over 60 individuals were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, a historic site with canteens and dormitories popular among rafters. Additional evacuations were planned, although no injuries have been reported.
Witnesses described the harrowing experience of being caught in the flash flood, with one individual recalling watching the creek rise and seeing debris, including what appeared to be a bunkhouse, flow by. Helicopters were used to airlift stranded individuals to safety.
Meteorologists reported that 1.2 to 2.5 centimeters of rain fell in a rocky area with a steep elevation drop, leading to the rapid flooding. The incident occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek descends from the North Rim to the Colorado River. Weather forecasts indicated the possibility of more rain and thunderstorms in the area through Monday.
