More than 20 missing after flash flood at the Grand Canyon

More than 20 people were missing after a sudden flood swept through parts of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, prompting an emergency helicopter evacuation of about 60 people.

The National Park Service said the flood struck around 2:30 p.m. the previous day in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas. Authorities closed trails and sought information about people believed to have been hiking or camping near Bright Angel Creek.

No injuries had been reported. But the park service warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rain were forecast for Aug. 31, bringing the risk of further flash floods, debris flows and rockfalls.

The flooding also destroyed most of the pedestrian bridges crossing Bright Angel Creek. Park authorities were assessing damage to trails, bridges and electricity and water infrastructure. The Grand Canyon attracts about 5 million visitors each year, and the Bright Angel Trail ranks among the park’s most popular hiking routes.