Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leaves One Dead, 15 Missing as More Storms Threaten

A deadly flash flood has swept through Arizona’s Grand Canyon, leaving one person dead and about 15 people missing or unaccounted for, while authorities warn that additional rain and thunderstorms could complicate rescue efforts.

The flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday afternoon after intense thunderstorms sent a torrent of water, mud, boulders and debris through the canyon. More than 60 people were evacuated by helicopter, according to the National Park Service.

The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, officials said. Search teams are continuing efforts to determine the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for, with authorities appealing for information from anyone who may have been in the affected areas.

The sudden surge of water devastated sections of the canyon. Footbridges across Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, while large boulders and debris were swept into the Colorado River.

The Transcanyon Waterline, the main pipeline supplying water to visitors and residents in the Grand Canyon, was also knocked out. The damage has forced the National Park Service to impose emergency water restrictions, including suspending overnight lodging at affected park facilities.

Authorities evacuated 62 people from the Bright Angel and Phantom Ranch areas, while several popular locations, including Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and the North Kaibab Trail, have been closed.

The flooding occurred after roughly 1 to 2.5 centimetres of rain fell within about 30 minutes over steep terrain. Because of the canyon’s dramatic elevation drop, much of the rainfall rapidly became runoff, producing a powerful and fast-moving flood.

The danger has not passed.

Forecasters warned that more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were possible Monday, raising concerns about additional flash flooding, debris flows and landslides while rescue operations are still underway.

The continuing storms could make it harder for helicopters and ground crews to search remote sections of the canyon, while already-damaged trails and bridges create additional hazards for rescuers.

The National Park Service is coordinating with Arizona authorities and other emergency agencies as the search continues.

For families waiting for news of missing hikers and campers, the operation has become a race against time, with rescuers facing not only difficult terrain and flood damage, but also the threat of another round of severe weather.