Air evacuations continued Sunday afternoon at Arizona’s Grand Canyon, a day after a significant flash flood swept through campgrounds and hiking trails deep inside the national park, authorities said.
The Grand Canyon National Park Service said Sunday that it was seeking information from the public about more than 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for following Saturday’s sudden flooding.
Rescue and emergency crews continued operations as authorities worked to determine the whereabouts of those potentially affected by the flood.
The flooding caused significant damage throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating pedestrian access across the creek. Grand Canyon National Park staff continue to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure.
The Colorado River is closed to river traffic due to metal structures and debris entering the river. River parties currently in the canyon are receiving direction through river operations rangers and the Grand Canyon River Alert system.
Official statement from the Park: The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for more than 20 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.
If you know of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you had a campground reservation in the affected area, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB).
This includes people who may have been:
• Traveling the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
• Staying at Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campground
• Traveling through “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch
NPS ISB Tip Line: 888-653-0009
Email: nps_isb@nps.gov
Please provide any information you have, including a person’s name, approximate location, travel plans, group size, clothing or backpack description, or when they were last known to be in the area. You do not have to provide your name.
