One dead and 15 unaccounted for after Grand Canyon flash flood

One person has died and about 15 people remain unaccounted for after a powerful flash flood tore through the Grand Canyon in Arizona, destroying footbridges, damaging infrastructure and forcing the evacuation of dozens of hikers and campers.

The National Park Service (NPS) said the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River on Sunday evening. The death was confirmed after rescue teams searched areas affected by the flooding.

The NPS had initially estimated that more than 20 people were missing or unaccounted for, but revised the figure to about 15 on Sunday. Officials are asking members of the public to provide information about hikers and backpackers who may have been in the affected area.

62 people evacuated from the canyon

The flash flooding began at about 2.30pm on Saturday (29 August) in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area after storms moved through the Grand Canyon.

By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower section of the North Kaibab Trail. Additional evacuations were carried out at Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch by the NPS and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Evacuees were taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross was providing assistance.

Footbridges destroyed and river traffic halted

The flooding caused extensive damage throughout Bright Angel Canyon.

Nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, cutting off access for hikers across the creek. Park staff are continuing to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities and other facilities.

Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the trailhead to Phantom Ranch have been closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River are also closed.

The Colorado River itself has been closed to river traffic after metal structures and debris were swept into the water. River parties already inside the canyon are being given instructions through river-operation rangers and the Grand Canyon River Alert system.

Local Arizona broadcaster AZFamily reported that the flooding also widened parts of the creek and caused widespread damage in the inner canyon.

Water pipeline damaged, forcing park-wide restrictions

The flooding has also created a major water-supply problem for the South Rim.

The Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon to the park, was damaged during the flooding and is currently not operational. The NPS said the park has limited water reserves and therefore needs to impose significant conservation measures.

Stage 4 water restrictions began at noon on Monday (31 August).

All park concession operators have suspended overnight accommodation on the South Rim, including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village. Accommodation outside the park in the town of Tusayan is not affected.

Only dry camping is permitted at South Rim campgrounds, with water available from bathroom taps but campground spigots switched off. A limited water supply remains available at the Mather Campground check-in kiosk.

All wood-burning and charcoal fires, including campfires and barbecues, have also been prohibited on the South Rim and in the inner canyon. The park remains open for day visitors, although some services may operate with reduced hours.

More storms could trigger further flooding

The flooding occurred during a period of continuing storm activity across the Grand Canyon.

The NPS warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could affect the area, potentially causing further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and changes to trail and river conditions.

The park has also warned of heightened flood risks in watersheds affected by the Dragon Bravo Fire. Burned areas can experience rapid runoff during heavy rain, increasing the risk of flash floods and debris flows in steep terrain.

The Grand Canyon extends for about 446 kilometres and attracts millions of visitors each year. The affected Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas are among the park's most heavily used backcountry destinations.

With rescue and accounting operations continuing, authorities are focused on locating people who may still be unaccounted for, assessing damage and maintaining essential water supplies while further storms remain possible.