Grand Canyon Flash Flood Sparks Evacuations

A major flash flood at the Grand Canyon in Arizona forced the evacuation of dozens of people on Saturday afternoon. The flooding in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River, swept large boulders, metal structures, and other debris into the river.

The National Park Service reported that torrents of water wiped out footbridges over the creek and significantly altered the landscape, widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new river rapid.

The park service is seeking information about more than 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for after the flood. They have asked anyone with details about people hiking or camping in the area to get in touch.

According to Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, this incident is a reminder of the dynamic and active landscape of the Grand Canyon.

Popular tourist spots, including the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and parts of the North Kaibab trail, remained closed on Sunday while park officials surveyed the damage. Rafting trips on the Colorado River have also been halted for now.

More than 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, which has a historic canteen and dorms, and is a common spot for rafters to get off and on the river. No injuries have been reported.

The National Weather Service reported that about half an inch to 1 inch of rain fell within about 30 minutes in the rocky area where there's a steep drop in elevation.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists and hikers in the area. The park service is working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to continue evacuations and search for missing people.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The incident is a reminder of the importance of being prepared and aware of the risks associated with visiting such areas.

The search for missing people is ongoing, and the park service is urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident has also raised questions about the impact of climate change on the region's weather patterns and the potential for more frequent and severe flash flooding events.