31 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : A powerful flash flood tore through Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, destroying footbridges, sweeping boulders and debris into the Colorado River and forcing the evacuation of at least 62 people. More than 20 people were initially reported missing or unaccounted for, although the National Park Service later said about 15 people may still be missing as authorities worked to verify the numbers.
Flash Flood Hits Bright Angel Canyon
The flooding struck Bright Angel Creek and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, with the National Park Service reporting that the event began at around 2:30 pm.
Torrents of muddy water rushed through the canyon, carrying rocks, trees, metal structures and other debris downstream into the Colorado River.
62 People Evacuated
By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail.
Helicopters were used to move hikers and campers out of the affected areas, with evacuees taken to the South Rim for assistance coordinated with the American Red Cross.
Search for Missing Hikers Underway
Park authorities initially sought information about more than 20 people who could have been in the affected area.
The working estimate was subsequently revised, with the NPS saying approximately 15 people may be missing or unaccounted for. Officials have asked anyone with information about hikers, backpackers or campers in the area to contact authorities.
The number remains subject to change as officials reconcile reservations, evacuation records and reports from people who were in the canyon.
Videos Show Extent of Destruction
Videos and photographs from the disaster zone show chocolate-brown floodwater surging through the canyon, carrying logs, vegetation and other debris.
Nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, severely disrupting access through the canyon. The flooding also dramatically altered parts of the creek bed and created what appeared to be a new rapid in the Colorado River.
Major Trails and Facilities Closed
The Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and North Kaibab Trail were closed following the flooding.
The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge crossings over the Colorado River were also closed, while river traffic was suspended because of debris and damaged structures.
Water Pipeline Damaged
The flooding also damaged a critical water pipeline serving the canyon and Grand Canyon Village.
The damage has forced authorities to take additional precautions, including asking residents to conserve water while officials assess the infrastructure and begin recovery work.
More Storms Could Bring Fresh Danger
The threat has not completely passed.
The National Weather Service warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could trigger more flash floods, debris flows, rockfall and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.
Authorities have urged people to stay away from closed areas while search-and-rescue and damage-assessment operations continue.
Why the Flood Was So Destructive
The Grand Canyon’s steep, rocky terrain means intense rainfall can rapidly turn into powerful runoff.
Weather officials reported intense rainfall in the area, with some locations receiving roughly 0.84 inches in one hour. The combination of heavy rain and terrain caused water to rush quickly into Bright Angel Creek and surrounding drainage channels.
Mass Evacuations Continue
The National Park Service and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are coordinating evacuations and search operations.
Authorities are also working to establish exactly who was present in the affected areas when the flood struck and whether anyone remains stranded or unaccounted for.
A Major Setback for Grand Canyon Tourism
The destruction has disrupted some of the Grand Canyon’s most popular inner-canyon destinations.
With trails, bridges, campgrounds and river crossings closed, officials face a major cleanup and infrastructure-repair operation while continuing to monitor the possibility of further flooding.
Developing Situation
The disaster remains an active search-and-rescue operation. Officials continue to verify the number of missing people while assessing the full scale of damage caused by the flash flood.
The initial figure of more than 20 missing or unaccounted-for people has been revised to about 15 by the NPS, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the casualty and missing-person count.