A sudden flash flood tore through the Grand Canyon on Saturday, washing out footbridges and forcing dozens of people to evacuate by air.
By Sunday evening, the National Park Service reported that approximately 15 individuals remained unaccounted for following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas. Earlier estimates had placed the number at more than 20.
The National Park Service is actively investigating hikers and campers who may be missing, focusing on those traveling along the North Kaibab Trail between its trailhead and Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or visiting the narrow corridor north of Phantom Ranch known as “the Box.”
According to NPS information, the flooding began around 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Arizona time, causing widespread damage including the destruction of nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek. Evacuations continued into Sunday, with 62 people evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail.
The National Park Service has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the canteen, cabins, the entire North Kaibab Trail, and the Black and Silver bridges across the Colorado River until further notice. The park reported no injuries in its initial update but urged families and friends to provide information about missing individuals by contacting the NPS Investigative Services Branch at 888-653-0009.
Additional thunderstorms and heavy rain were possible through Sunday and Monday, raising concerns of further flooding. Visitors are advised to avoid all closed areas.
