Grand Canyon Flood
About 15 people may be missing after a flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service said Sunday. Video footage taken by hikers shows a torrent of muddy water rushing by a trail and under footbridges, with logs and debris floating down swollen rivers, accompanied by a dull roar.
The floods hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon around 2:30 pm, caused by rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau. There were no deaths or injuries reported. As of Sunday morning, 62 people have been evacuated, and others were scheduled to be evacuated.
More thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were possible through Monday, possibly leading to "additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and changing trail and river conditions," the park service warned. The flooding damaged a key water pipeline into Grand Canyon National Park, prompting water restrictions in its most visited area and a ban on wood and charcoal fires. Some overnight accommodations will close, although the park will remain open for day use.