Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – About 15 people may be missing after a flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service said in a statement Sunday. Video footage taken by hikers shows a torrent of muddy water rushing by a trail and under footbridges, as well as logs and other debris floating down swollen rivers, accompanied by a dull roar.
The floods hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, the park service said, adding that it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate people and account for missing individuals. Earlier, the park service stated that more than 20 people were believed missing. The flash flood, which began around 2:30 pm on Saturday, was caused by rainfall on the Kaibab Plateau, it said. There were no deaths or injuries, the park service confirmed in an email.
As of Sunday morning, 62 people have been evacuated, and others were scheduled to be evacuated. More thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were possible through Monday, potentially leading to “additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall, and changing trail and river conditions,” the park service warned.
The flooding damaged a key water pipeline into Grand Canyon National Park, prompting the park service to announce water restrictions in its most visited area and a ban on wood and charcoal fires. Some overnight accommodations will close, although the park will remain open for day use.
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