Two dead and around 15 missing as flash flood strikes Grand Canyon National Park

Two people died and about 15 people remain missing or unaccounted for after a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon forced evacuations, pushed large boulders into the Colorado River and knocked out the sole water pipeline that serves tourists and residents, the National Park Service said Sunday.

The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, the park service said without providing additional details. Officials from an Arizona coroner's office were on scene. 

A second body was recovered on Monday.

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 Saturday, the park 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.

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The flash flood, which began about 2:30pm on Saturday, was caused by rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau, it said.

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, it said on X, announcing 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.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)