Rescue teams in the Grand Canyon continue searching for 14 people who may be missing or unaccounted for after a devastating flash flood struck the national park over the weekend, leaving one man dead and causing extensive destruction to campgrounds and trails. According to the Grand Canyon National Park Service, the flood swept through the Bright Angel Canyon area and Phantom Ranch on Saturday afternoon, wiping out footbridges, infrastructure, and equipment along its path.
The National Park Service (NPS) recovered the body of a 46-year-old man from the Colorado River on Sunday. His identity has not yet been released. Officials have called on the public to provide information if they know of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29 or who had reservations in the affected area.
Air evacuations began Saturday and continued through Sunday as weather conditions allowed. By Sunday afternoon, 62 individuals had been airlifted from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail to safety. Evacuees were transported to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is providing assistance.
The flooding has rendered much of the park's infrastructure inoperable. The critical water pipeline was heavily damaged, prompting water conservation measures, including suspending overnight hotel stays beginning Monday. Campground bathroom faucets remain operational, but the NPS has closed several campgrounds and trails indefinitely. There is currently no estimated reopening date for these areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for northern and central Arizona, including the Grand Canyon, through Monday evening. Officials are warning of additional thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of more flash flooding, debris flows, and rockfalls in the coming days.
Erica Viola and her husband, Scott Svedin, were camping at the Bright Angel Campground when park rangers ordered them to evacuate. Viola told ABC News she lost nearly all her belongings in the flood and described the harrowing escape as campers scrambled to safety across a footbridge. “We just heard people yell, ‘Run, run, run!’” Viola said. “Once we got to the bridge, that’s when this 15-foot wall of water came through the campground in Phantom Ranch and wiped out all the bridges in the creek.”
The flood, which started around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, is considered one of the most severe in recent years. Videos of the event show debris floating down a churning Colorado River, including bunkhouses, barbecue grills, and even an excavator.
Weather conditions remain a concern as rescue teams from the National Park Service and the Arizona Department of Public Safety continue search efforts. Visitors with upcoming plans to visit the Grand Canyon are advised to monitor updates from the NPS and heed all warnings and closures in place.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to remain cautious, as more severe weather could increase risks of flooding and infrastructure damage in the area.