August 31, 2026:More than 20 people are unaccounted for after a flash flood swept through parts of the Grand Canyon in the U.S. state of Arizona, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation by rangers at Grand Canyon National Park.
The flash flood struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday, August 29, according to the National Park Service. The powerful surge of water caused significant damage in the remote sections of the canyon.
The National Park Service said more than 20 people could potentially be missing following the flooding, although their status has not yet been confirmed. Authorities have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could help locate people who may be unaccounted for.
In a statement, the National Park Service said its personnel were working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to evacuate affected areas and move people stranded in the canyon to safer locations.
At least 62 people had been evacuated to safety by Saturday, according to authorities. Additional evacuations from the Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch areas were also planned.
The flooding struck the remote inner sections of the Grand Canyon, making rescue operations particularly challenging. Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch, located along the Colorado River, are popular destinations for hikers and visitors but are difficult to access because of the rugged terrain.
The force of the floodwaters caused extensive damage to trail infrastructure. Nearly all pedestrian bridges over Bright Angel Creek, an important tributary of the Colorado River, were destroyed, effectively cutting off several routes used by hikers.
Because of the damage, park authorities have closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and the entire North Kaibab Trail until further notice.
Authorities have urged anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who may still be stranded in the affected areas to immediately contact the National Park Service. Search operations for those reported missing are continuing.
Hikers Rescued by Helicopter
A hiker identified as David Gregory said he had been hiking in the area with a small group when the sudden flooding forced them to abandon their plans.
Gregory said they could see a powerful flow of water carrying large amounts of debris rapidly moving toward them, leaving little choice but to seek immediate evacuation.
He and the rest of his group were later evacuated by helicopter to a nearby school before being taken to a hotel overnight.
The flooding has also forced authorities to close the Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River indefinitely. All boating activity on the river has likewise been suspended because metal structures and other debris were swept into the water.
Park officials have warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible in the area through Monday. Further rainfall could trigger additional debris flows and increase the risk of rockfalls in the mountainous terrain.
The latest disaster comes amid another major flood and landslide emergency in Nepal. More than 750 people have reportedly been killed and over 3,000 remain missing following severe flooding and landslides in mountainous areas there last week.
Sources: National Park Service, NDTV and relevant authorities