2 days ago
Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leaves Missing, Dead and Evacuated
A sudden flash flood hit a deep part of Grand Canyon National Park after heavy rain.
Water rushed down Bright Angel Creek toward the Colorado River.
The flood carried rocks, metal, mud and other debris, and it destroyed many bridges.
About 62 people were evacuated, including a group of hikers rescued by helicopter.
Officials asked the public for help finding people who might still be unaccounted for.
Different reports gave different numbers, ranging from about 15 to more than 20 people.
Reports also disagreed about deaths, with some saying none had been reported and others saying one or two bodies were recovered.
The flood damaged the park’s main water pipeline and forced closures and water restrictions.
More rain could cause additional floods, falling rocks and dangerous debris.
A flash flood struck Bright Angel Creek, Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch on Saturday afternoon, August 29.
The National Park Service sought information about approximately 15 unaccounted-for people, while other reports cited more than 20.
At least 62 people were evacuated, including about 50 hikers taken to safety by helicopter.
Floodwaters destroyed nearly all footbridges, swept boulders and metal structures into the Colorado River, and altered the landscape.
The Transcanyon Waterline was damaged, prompting closures, water restrictions and warnings of further flooding, debris flows and rockfall.
- Who
- Hikers, backpackers, rafters and other visitors were affected; the National Park Service and Arizona authorities coordinated evacuations and searches.
- What
- A major flash flood destroyed footbridges, swept debris into the Colorado River, altered the canyon and damaged the Transcanyon Waterline.
- Where
- Bright Angel Creek, Bright Angel Canyon, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and nearby areas of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
- When
- The flood began at about 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 29; evacuations and search operations continued on Sunday.
- Why
- About 0.5 to 1 inch of rain fell in roughly 30 minutes over steep, rocky terrain, causing most of the water to run off immediately.
Official Lower-Casualty Updates
Reports of Higher Casualties
Number of missing people
Official Lower-Casualty Updates
National Park Service statements referred to approximately 15 people who might be missing or unaccounted for.
Reports of Higher Casualties
Several reports described more than 20 people as reportedly missing or unaccounted for.
Deaths and injuries
Official Lower-Casualty Updates
The National Park Service and other reports said no deaths or injuries had been reported at the time of their updates.
Reports of Higher Casualties
Other reports, citing park officials or authorities, said one 46-year-old man was found near Crystal Rapids, while a later report said two bodies had been recovered.
Waterline damage
Official Lower-Casualty Updates
Some reports said the park’s sole water pipeline was damaged and rendered inoperable.
Reports of Higher Casualties
A park-official account reported that preliminary assessments found approximately 40 percent of the Transcanyon Waterline damaged or destroyed.
Key facts
- People unaccounted for
- The National Park Service sought information about approximately 15 people; other reports said more than 20 may be missing or unaccounted for.
- Evacuations
- At least 62 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch and nearby areas.
- Rainfall
- Approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain fell within about 30 minutes.
- Flood damage
- Nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, while boulders, metal structures and other debris were swept into the Colorado River.
- Water pipeline
- The Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed; one report said approximately 40 percent of it was affected, while other reports described it as inoperable.
- Closures
- Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, its canteen and cabins, parts of the North Kaibab Trail and Colorado River rafting trips were closed or suspended.
- Reported casualties
- Several official updates reported no deaths or injuries, while other reports said one 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids and a later report said two bodies had been recovered.
- Continuing threat
- Thunderstorms and heavy rain were expected through Monday, with risks of additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.
Quotes
National Park Service
US federal agency managing Grand Canyon National Park
“The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for approximately 15 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash-flood event in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.”
livemint.com
“We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere, boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere,”
livemint.com
Grand Canyon National Park authorities
Park officials overseeing closures and emergency operations after the flood.
“Visitors are asked to remain out of the closure area while search and recovery operations continue. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch remain closed until further notice.”
thehansindia.com
“Anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, as well as anyone who had a campground reservation in the affected corridor, to provide information to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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