About 15 people missing after Grand Canyon flash flood

• About 15 people may be missing after a flash flood hit Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch in Grand Canyon National Park on Aug 29.
• The National Park Service has evacuated 62 people and is working with Arizona authorities to rescue and account for missing individuals.
• More heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected through Aug 31, raising risks of further flash floods, debris flows, and dangerous trail conditions.

LOS ANGELES - About 15 people may be missing after a flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service said in a statement on Aug 30.

Video footage taken by hikers shows a torrent of muddy water rushing by a trail and under footbridges as well as logs and other debris floating down swollen rivers, accompanied by a dull roar.

The floods hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Aug 29, the service said, adding that it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate people and account for missing individuals.

Earlier, the park service said that more than 20 people were believed missing.

The flash flood, which began about 2.30pm on Aug 29, was caused by rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau, it said.

There were no confirmed deaths or injuries, the park service said in an e-mail.

As of the morning of Aug 30, 62 people have been evacuated, and others were scheduled to be evacuated, it said.

More thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were possible through Aug 31, 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, it said on X, announcing water restrictions in its most visited area and a ban on wood and charcoal fires.

Some overnight accomodations will close, although the park will remain open for day use. AFP