Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leaves 15 Missing and Forces 60 Evacuations

A flash flood in Arizona’s Grand Canyon swept boulders, metal structures and debris into the Colorado River, leaving about 15 people unaccounted for and forcing 62 evacuations.

The National Park Service said the flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch on Saturday afternoon. Floodwaters destroyed footbridges and reshaped Bright Angel Creek, widening its bed and creating what appeared to be a new rapid in the Colorado River. Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab Trail remained closed as officials assessed the damage. Colorado River rafting trips were also suspended.

The flood damaged the national park’s only water pipeline, which supplies tourists and year-round residents. Starting Monday, tourists could not stay overnight at lodges and hotels inside the park. The Park Service asked permanent residents to conserve water, saying the measures would protect the available water resources.

The pipeline is already part of a $208 million rehabilitation project that began in 2023 and is scheduled for completion in 2027. The system has suffered repeated failures because it has exceeded its expected lifespan.

Hikers described sudden torrents, falling debris and landslides as heavy rain moved through the canyon. Parth Desai, who was hiking with fellow doctors and a park ranger, said, “We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere; boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere.” Later, a roughly four-foot wall of debris moved toward the group as it approached Phantom Ranch. The hikers reached higher ground and were eventually rescued by helicopter. No injuries had been reported.

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We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere; boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere.