More than 20 people sought after violent flooding in the Grand Canyon

A sudden flash flood reshaped part of the Grand Canyon within minutes, sweeping away footbridges, rocks, metal structures and debris toward the Colorado River.

The flood struck Bright Angel Creek in Arizona after torrential rain. More than 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, a historic site popular with hikers and tourists who travel down the Colorado River by raft. More than 20 people were still being sought on Sunday, according to the National Park Service, which asked anyone with information about hikers or campers in the area to come forward.

The flooding appears to have widened the creek bed and created a new rapid on the Colorado River. Authorities continued operations with help from the Arizona Department of Public Safety while assessing the damage.

Bright Angel campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab Trail were closed. Rafting trips on the Colorado were also suspended. National Weather Service data cited in the report indicated that between 1 and 2.5 centimeters of rain fell in about 30 minutes.

More rain and thunderstorms were forecast in the region through Monday, potentially making the rescue operation more difficult.