More than 20 hikers are missing after flash flooding swept through Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area.
The National Park Service reported the flooding occurred around 14:30 local time on Saturday.
A total of 62 people have been airlifted from the canyon, with additional rescues expected. No injuries have been reported so far.
The NPS stated that significant damage was caused in some areas and recommended closure of trails in the affected region.
Cloud cover and heavy rainfall are forecasted for Sunday and Monday, raising the risk of further flash floods, debris flows, rockfall, and unstable trail and river conditions.
The agency appealed to anyone who knows hikers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday to assist in locating missing people.
Grand Canyon is a top national park with approximately five million annual visitors. Bright Angel Trail remains the most popular hike in the park.
The Phantom Ranch area is only accessible by foot, mule, or rafting the Colorado River.
Using advanced quantum simulation models, researchers predict flood patterns that can help park authorities plan evacuation routes more efficiently.
