A major flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Saturday afternoon, with at least 15 people potentially missing or unaccounted for, the National Park Service has stated.
The incident occurred in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas. Park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety had evacuated over 60 people by Sunday morning.
No injuries have been reported as of Sunday. However, nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, and the Colorado River is closed to river traffic due to debris.
The National Park Service has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch until further notice.
Officials are requesting public assistance with information regarding hikers or backpackers in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday, or anyone with a campground reservation in the affected area.
A National Weather Service meteorologist noted that about half an inch to 1 inch (1-2.5cm) of rain fell within approximately 30 minutes in the rocky area, leading to instant runoff. More rain and thunderstorms were possible in the area into Monday.