DistantNews
Support us
Flash flood hits Grand Canyon as authorities search for more than 20 possible missing people Image: James Thompson
🇲🇽 Mexico /Disasters & Emergencies

Flash flood hits Grand Canyon as authorities search for more than 20 possible missing people

From El Universal · () Spanish

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

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • A flash flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, and more than 20 people may be missing or unaccounted for.
  • Flooding destroyed nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek, damaged park infrastructure and forced the closure of Colorado River traffic.
  • Authorities warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rain could trigger more flash floods, debris flows, rockfalls and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.

More than 20 people may be missing after a major flash flood hit the Grand Canyon on Saturday, prompting National Park Service officials to seek information about hikers and backpackers in the affected area.

The flooding began at about 2:30 p.m. and caused extensive damage across Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, leaving hikers unable to cross to the other side.

Park staff continued assessing damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure. The Colorado River also remained closed to river traffic as metal structures and debris washed downstream.

Officials warned that more thunderstorms and heavy rain in the following days could bring additional flash floods, debris flows and rockfalls. Trail and river conditions could change quickly. The Grand Canyon ranked fourth among the most visited U.S. national parks in 2025, recording 4,430,653 recreational visits.

The National Park Service is asking for information about more than 20 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following the Aug. 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.

— National Park ServiceThe agency appealed for information about people who may have been in the flooded area.
About this summary

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. 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