ARIZONA: A devastating flash flood swept through parts of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Saturday, August 29, killing at least two people and leaving around 15 others missing or unaccounted for, authorities said.
The sudden flooding struck the Bright Angel Creek and Bright Angel Canyon areas near Phantom Ranch after intense monsoon thunderstorms produced torrential rainfall. Floodwaters rapidly transformed the normally narrow creek into a powerful torrent carrying mud, boulders and debris through the canyon.
Around 80 people rescued
Rescue teams have rescued around 80 people following the disaster, with dozens of hikers and visitors evacuated from the canyon by helicopter. Search-and-recovery operations remain underway for those who have not yet been located.
The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. Authorities later confirmed the recovery of another victim, bringing the reported death toll to at least two.
Bridges and critical infrastructure destroyed
The force of the flood caused extensive damage across the Bright Angel Creek corridor. Footbridges, hiking trails and other infrastructure were swept away or severely damaged as floodwaters carrying rocks and debris rushed through the canyon.
The disaster also severely damaged the Transcanyon Waterline, the critical pipeline supplying water to areas of the park and Grand Canyon Village. Officials subsequently introduced water-conservation measures because of the reduced water supply.
Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and the North Kaibab Trail corridor have been closed, while overnight accommodation inside affected areas has also been suspended.
Why was the flooding so severe?
Flash floods are a known hazard in northern Arizona during the summer monsoon season. However, forecasters and climate experts said the intensity of this weekend’s rainfall was unusual.
Reports indicate that intense thunderstorms delivered a large amount of rain over a short period, overwhelming the canyon’s drainage system and rapidly sending water and debris downhill.
Experts have also pointed to a combination of long-term drought, unusually warm ocean temperatures and El Niño conditions as factors that can contribute to stronger moisture flows and more intense rainfall across the U.S. Southwest. The impact of last year’s Dragon Bravo wildfire may also have increased runoff and debris-flow risks in fire-scarred areas.
Renewed rain threatens rescue operation
The ongoing search has been complicated by the possibility of additional thunderstorms and flash flooding. The steep terrain, narrow canyon corridors and limited communications in the remote inner canyon are making the rescue and recovery operation particularly challenging.
Authorities have urged visitors to stay away from flood-damaged areas and follow official safety instructions as emergency crews continue assessing the damage and searching for people who remain unaccounted for.
The situation remains fluid, and officials may revise the number of missing people as they receive additional information from hikers, campers and their families.
