Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leaves One Dead and 15 Missing as Rescue Teams Race to Find Those Still Unaccounted For

One person has died and about 15 others remain missing or unaccounted for after a sudden flash flood swept through parts of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, causing significant damage and triggering a major rescue operation.

The flooding struck at around 14:30 local time on Saturday in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, according to the US National Park Service (NPS). A 46-year-old man’s body was later discovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River on Sunday evening.

The NPS initially said more than 20 people were believed to be missing or unaccounted for, but later revised the figure to approximately 15. Authorities have urged anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon around Bright Angel Creek on Saturday to contact the park service.

The flooding also prompted an extensive evacuation effort. So far, 62 people have been airlifted from the affected area as rescue teams continue searching for those whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Among those rescued was 41-year-old Nikki Baggs, who was visiting Phantom Ranch with two friends. She told the BBC that the day had initially been calm before the weather suddenly changed.

Baggs said she and her friends had just left their belongings at a cabin and gone outside to enjoy the weather when heavy rain began. As floodwater moved rapidly through the area, they were forced to seek higher ground. Rangers later instructed them to move to another ledge, where they remained for several hours before being evacuated at about 21:30.

She described the experience as terrifying but praised the response from park rangers, saying their coordinated efforts helped keep visitors safe during the emergency.

The flooding caused substantial damage to parts of the national park, with reports that footbridges were swept away and several trails affected. The NPS has closed trails in the impacted areas while assessments and rescue operations continue.

The damage has also affected the park’s water infrastructure. Overnight guest accommodation on the South Rim is due to stop from Monday until further notice because of what the NPS described as extensive damage to the park’s water system.

Authorities are also warning that the danger may not be over. More thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were forecast, creating the possibility of further flash floods, debris flows, rockfalls and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.

The Grand Canyon attracts around five million visitors each year and is one of the United States’ most popular national parks. The Bright Angel Trail, which leads deep into the canyon, is particularly popular with hikers.

As rescue teams continue searching for those still unaccounted for, officials are warning visitors and residents to remain cautious as unstable weather conditions persist.