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Flash floods in Grand Canyon lead to evacuations and concerns over missing hikers

share-iconPublished: Monday, August 31 share-iconUpdated: Monday, August 31 comment-icon36 minutes ago
Flash floods in Grand Canyon lead to evacuations and concerns over missing hikers

Credited from: BBC

  • Dozens evacuated from Grand Canyon after flash floods hit the area.
  • Over 20 people may be missing following flooding in Bright Angel Canyon.
  • No injuries have been reported; rescue operations are ongoing.

On Saturday afternoon, flash floods struck the Grand Canyon, particularly impacting Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch, leading to the evacuation of approximately 60 individuals. The flooding caused significant damage, sweeping debris into the Colorado River and prompting the closure of several popular trails, including the entirety of the North Kaibab Trail and Phantom Ranch itself, according to CBS News and South China Morning Post.

Rescue operations are still underway as authorities report that more than 20 hikers are unaccounted for following the flooding, which occurred around 2:30 PM local time. Those camping or hiking in the inner canyon at the time of the incident are urged to contact the park service. Although no injuries have been reported, the situation remains dire, with additional thunderstorms forecasted for the coming days, according to BBC and South China Morning Post.

The flooding has transformed the landscape, with Bright Angel Creek's bed widened and new rapid formations created, prompting the National Park Service to work closely with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for ongoing evacuations. Popular tourist areas like Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch are currently closed as assessments of the damage continue, according to CBS News and BBC.

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