A severe flash flood tore through Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on 29/8, leaving 15 people missing and prompting the evacuation of 62 others. The US National Park Service confirmed the incident on 30/8, explaining that the flood followed a storm that impacted Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.
The missing individuals were reportedly hiking or camping in the affected areas when the floodwaters surged. Authorities initially reported 20 missing, but later adjusted the number to 15.
David Gregory, who was rescued by helicopter, described the harrowing moments of the flood. "We saw the stream near the campsite turn black with wood fragments and debris, while the water flowed rapidly," he recounted.
The US National Park Service urged anyone with information regarding individuals who might have been in the flood-affected area to contact their hotline.
The flash flood inflicted substantial damage to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon.
Park officials stated, "Almost all bridges over Bright Angel Creek have been destroyed, making it impossible for hikers to cross the stream."
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The scene in Grand Canyon after the flash flood on 29/8. Photo: Grand Canyon National Park |
Bright Angel is recognized by park management as the most popular hiking trail leading into the canyon.
The Grand Canyon plunges approximately 1,6 km deep and its national park encompasses about 447 km of the Colorado River.
The park is renowned for its geological landscape and distinctive erosion features, including rock formations dating back up to 1,8 billion years and volcanic sediment layers formed 5 million years ago. It welcomed over 400.000 visitors last month and more than 4,4 million visitors in 2025.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, CNN)
