Over 20 people are reportedly missing after a sudden flash flood swept through parts of the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States, sending rocks, structures and debris into the Colorado River.
The flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday afternoon, prompting an emergency evacuation operation involving the National Park Service and Arizona authorities.
The National Park Service said it was working to account for people in the affected areas and urged the public to share any information about missing hikers.
The flash flood began in Bright Angel Creek at around 2.30pm. Torrents of water destroyed footbridges and dramatically reshaped sections of the creek, with footage showing debris being swept towards the Colorado River.
“This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape the Grand Canyon is,” said Jack Schmidt, director of the Centre for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University.
Erica Viola, one of the survivors, told the Associated Press that she was at Bright Angel Campground when heavy rain began. She and around 50 other hikers watched as the creek rapidly rose and debris began rushing past them, including what appeared to be part of a bunkhouse.
The group was later evacuated by helicopter, Viola said.
National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow said between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain fell within roughly 30 minutes in the area. “Most of it ran off instantly,” Johndrow said.
Bright Angel Creek descends from the North Rim towards the Colorado River, dropping about 6,000 feet, creating conditions where intense rainfall can quickly generate dangerous flooding.
By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch, a popular stop for hikers and river rafters. Further evacuations were also planned. No injuries had been reported so far.
Authorities have warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rain could continue through Monday, raising the risk of further flash floods, debris flows and rockfalls, while potentially changing trail and river conditions.
Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and sections of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed as officials assessed the damage. Rafting operations on the Colorado River have also been temporarily suspended.
