DistantNews
Support us
Dozens evacuated from Grand Canyon after flash flood hits creek leading to Colorado River
🇸🇬 Singapore /Disasters & Emergencies

Dozens evacuated from Grand Canyon after flash flood hits creek leading to Colorado River

From CNA · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A flash flood in Bright Angel Creek at the Grand Canyon swept boulders, structures and debris into the Colorado River, destroying footbridges and changing the creek’s channel.
  • More than 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, while officials sought information about more than 20 people who might be missing or unaccounted for.
  • Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed, and rafting trips on the Colorado River were suspended; no injuries were reported.

More than 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch after a flash flood tore through Bright Angel Creek and pushed boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River.

The flood struck Saturday afternoon, wiping out footbridges and widening the creek bed. The force of the water also created what appeared to be a new rapid in the river. The National Park Service said it was seeking information about more than 20 people who might be missing or unaccounted for.

Erica Viola said she was at Bright Angel Campground with about 50 other hikers when rain began to fall. The group watched the creek rise and debris, including what appeared to be a bunkhouse, sweep past before helicopters took them to safety. The evacuation ended her trip two days early.

Most of it ran off instantly.

— Justin JohndrowThe National Weather Service meteorologist described how quickly rainfall flowed across the steep, rocky terrain.

National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow said between half an inch and 1 inch of rain fell in about 30 minutes in the steep, rocky area. “Most of it ran off instantly,” he said. Bright Angel Creek descends from the North Rim to the Colorado River, dropping about 6,000 feet.

The park service continued evacuations Sunday with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Popular locations remained closed as officials assessed the damage, and more rain and thunderstorms were possible through Monday. Jack Schmidt of Utah State University’s Center for Colorado River Studies said the flooding showed that the Grand Canyon is “a dynamic and active landscape.”

This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape Grand Canyon is.

— Jack SchmidtThe Utah State University researcher described the broader significance of the sudden changes caused by the flood.
About this summary

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog