Grand Canyon Flash Flood Triggers Evacuations as Authorities Search for 15 Missing People

At least 15 people are feared missing following a major flash flood that struck the Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona, according to the National Park Service.

By Sunday morning, 62 individuals had been successfully evacuated following the severe flooding that hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday afternoon. The rushing waters carried large boulders, metal structures, and other debris directly into the Colorado River.

"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," the agency stated.

The severe flooding along Bright Angel Creek destroyed footbridges and dramatically altered the local landscape, widening the creek bed and forming a new river rapid. Key tourist locations such as the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and sections of the North Kaibab trail remained closed on Sunday as park officials assessed the destruction. Additionally, rafting trips on the Colorado River have been temporarily suspended.

Parth Desai recounted experiencing the disaster firsthand while hiking through a narrow passage in Bright Angel Canyon alongside a group of fellow doctors and a park ranger.

"We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere; boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere," Parth Desai told The Associated Press news agency.

"This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape Grand Canyon is," Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, told AP.

The Grand Canyon National Park Service is collaborating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, with further evacuations scheduled for Sunday. No injuries have been documented thus far, though additional rain and thunderstorms remain in the forecast through Monday.