Arizona, August 31 (TNA) A severe flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona has left one person dead and at least 14 to 15 others missing or unaccounted for, officials said, as rescue teams continued evacuations and search operations on Sunday. The flooding hit the Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, triggering large-scale disruption inside the park.
The National Park Service said 62 people had been evacuated by Sunday morning, with more evacuations planned from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch. Officials also closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, parts of the North Kaibab Trail and river access until further notice.
Rescue crews recovered the body of a 46-year-old man near Crystal Rapids, about 10 river miles below Phantom Ranch, according to park officials. The park said no other injuries had been reported as of the latest update, but additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could cause more flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall.
The flood washed away footbridges and sent boulders and debris into the Colorado River, forcing the suspension of some river traffic and rafting activity. Authorities said the search for those still missing was ongoing, and conditions in the inner canyon remained dangerous.