A 46-year-old man was found dead and approximately 15 people remain unaccounted for after a flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday. The National Park Service (NPS) evacuated at least 62 people by helicopter from the area, including from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. The flooding destroyed footbridges over Bright Angel Creek and significantly altered the landscape, carrying debris into the Colorado River.
The NPS initially reported over 20 people missing, later revising the number to approximately 15. Erica Viola recounted being airlifted from Bright Angel Campground after witnessing debris, including what appeared to be a bunkhouse, swept away by the rising waters. Nikki Baggs and her friends were among those evacuated, describing a “terrifying” experience as they sought higher ground.
The flooding occurred after approximately half an inch to one inch of rain fell within 30 minutes in a steep, rocky area, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow. Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, noted the event as a reminder of the Grand Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Popular tourist spots, including Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and parts of the North Kaibab Trail, remain closed while officials assess the damage, and rafting trips on the Colorado River have been halted.
The park’s water infrastructure sustained “extensive damage,” leading to conservation measures. While no injuries have been reported, the NPS is asking anyone with information about hikers or backpackers in the area on Saturday to come forward. Further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast for Sunday and Monday, potentially leading to additional flash flooding and rockfall.
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