Flash floods leave at least 20 missing in remote Grand Canyon area
Flash flooding in the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Canyon has left at least 20 people missing and forced evacuations from Phantom Ranch and nearby campgrounds.
At least 20 people are missing or unaccounted for after flash floods overwhelmed a remote section of the Grand Canyon, officials said Sunday. The National Park Service is seeking information on hikers, backpackers and campers who may have been on Bright Angel Creek, at Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground or the North Kaibab Trail.
By Sunday morning, 62 individuals had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, with additional evacuations from Phantom Ranch and Cottonwood Campground expected. Footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, cutting hiker access, and several Colorado River crossings were closed while damage is assessed.
"The flash flood resulted in significant impacts to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon," the National Park Service said in a statement, adding that staff are continuing to evaluate damage to trails, bridges, utilities and facilities.
Colorado River traffic was halted due to the risk of floating debris, and access to Phantom Ranch remains limited to hiking, rafting or mule transport.