Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leaves 15 Missing, 60 Evacuated

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - At least 15 people are feared missing after a major flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States, forcing the evacuation of more than 60 people and damaging infrastructure in the national park.

According to the National Park Service, 62 people were evacuated from the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas after the flooding struck Saturday afternoon. The floodwaters swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River.

As reported by Al Jazeera, the flooding in Bright Angel Creek destroyed footbridges and significantly altered the landscape, widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new rapid in the Colorado River.

The National Park Service has asked the public to provide information about approximately 15 people who may be missing or unaccounted for following the flash flood. Authorities are coordinating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety as they continue evacuation and search efforts.

Popular tourist destinations, including Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab Trail, remained closed Sunday while officials assessed the damage. Rafting trips on the Colorado River have also been suspended.

No injuries have been reported.

Water Pipeline Knocked Out

The flooding has also disrupted the Grand Canyon's water supply after the park's sole water pipeline was damaged.

As reported by The Associated Press (AP), the pipeline supplies tourists and year-round residents in the national park. Because of the damage, tourists will not be allowed to stay overnight at lodges and hotels inside the park starting Monday.

The National Park Service has also asked year-round residents to conserve water.

"These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources," the park service said.

The disruption comes as the park is undertaking a major effort to modernize its aging water infrastructure. According to AP, a $208 million rehabilitation of the pipeline and associated water delivery system began in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

The pipeline has experienced frequent failures over the years because it has long exceeded its expected lifespan.

Hikers Caught in Sudden Flood

Several hikers described being caught by rapidly rising water and debris as heavy rain moved through the canyon.

As reported by Al Jazeera, Parth Desai was hiking through a narrow passage in Bright Angel Canyon with a group of fellow doctors and a park ranger when the downpour began.

"We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere; boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere," Desai told AP.

Later, as the group made its way toward Phantom Ranch, a wall of debris about 4 feet (1 meter) high moved toward them. They scrambled onto higher ground before eventually being rescued by helicopter.

Erica Viola was at Bright Angel Campground when the rain started. According to AP, she and about 50 other hikers watched the creek rise before debris began flowing through the area, including what appeared to be a bunkhouse.

The group was later evacuated by helicopter, ending Viola's trip two days earlier than planned.

More than 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, a historic site with a canteen and dormitories that is also a common point for rafters entering or leaving the Colorado River.

More Rain Forecast

The flash flood occurred after a period of intense rainfall in the steep and rocky terrain of the Grand Canyon.

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow in Flagstaff, about 0.5 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain fell within approximately 30 minutes in the affected area. Most of the rainfall ran off almost immediately because of the steep terrain.

The flooding occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek descends from the North Rim toward the Colorado River, dropping about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters).

"This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape Grand Canyon is," Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, told AP.

More rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the area through Monday, raising the possibility of further flooding.

The National Park Service continued working with state authorities on Sunday to assess the damage, evacuate people from affected areas and determine the whereabouts of those who may still be missing.

Read: Wildfires Shut Down Trails and Campgrounds Across Grand Canyon

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News