Flash Floods Leave Over 20 Missing at Grand Canyon, 60 Rescued
A sudden flash flood swept through the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area late on Saturday, leaving more than 20 hikers stranded in the inner canyon and prompting an emergency airlift operation.
The National Park Service (NPS) said the storm hit the area at about 14:30 local time (22:30 BST), flooding trails and rivers and causing significant damage. Sixty‑two people have already been lifted out of the canyon by helicopter; additional rescues are expected as crews continue to search.
No injuries have been reported to date, but 20‑plus people remain unaccounted for. Park officials have closed the Bright Angel Trail and warned that further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast for Sunday and Monday, which could lead to “additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and changing trail and river conditions.”
The NPS is calling on anyone who may have information about hikers or backpackers in the canyon corridor to contact them immediately. The Grand Canyon attracts around five million visitors annually, making it the most popular national park in the United States; the Bright Angel Trail is its busiest trail.
Later Sunday, the park’s Emergency Operations Center will conduct a safety review and determine any restoration of the trail network. Until then, those planning visits are urged to stay abreast of NPS advisories and avoid the inner‑canyon routes.
The staircase of emergency response teams, including the NPS, Civilian Conservation Corps, and local law‑enforcement agencies, have deployed helicopters and ground rescue units to clear debris and reach survivors. The airlift operation continues to the present, with scheduled flights planned as the weather permits.
In a statement, the NPS released frequent updates to keep visitors and families informed. “We appreciate the cooperation of the community and keep you advised of any new developments regarding missing hikers and rescue changes.”
Image: Hikers rescued in the Grand Canyon.
