At least 15 people unaccounted for after flash flood in Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Canyon
A major flash flood swept through Arizona's Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon, prompting evacuation of over 60 people and closure of key trails and river access.
What happened
A flash flood struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday afternoon, leaving at least 15 people missing or unaccounted for. Park staff and Arizona Department of Public Safety evacuated more than 60 people as of Sunday morning, with no injuries reported. Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, and the Colorado River was closed to river traffic due to metal structures and debris. About 0.5 to 1 inch of rain fell within 30 minutes in the steep terrain where Bright Angel Creek drops roughly 6,000 feet from the North Rim to the Colorado River, causing most of the water to run off instantly. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the North Kaibab Trail from its trailhead to Phantom Ranch remain closed; park officials have requested public information about hikers, backpackers, or those with campground reservations in the affected Bright Angel Creek corridor.
Context
The rapid runoff of concentrated rainfall over steep, rocky terrain created hazardous conditions in an area where visitors rely on trails and infrastructure for access and safety. The destruction of footbridges and closure of river traffic isolate the inner canyon and restrict movement within the park. Ongoing weather alerts for possible rain and thunderstorms through Monday present continued risk to rescue and recovery operations.