NEWS
NEWS

Several missing due to sudden floods in the Grand Canyon

Updated

At least 15 people remain missing after the sudden floods that affected several areas of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Sunday, forcing the evacuation of dozens of tourists, as reported by the United States National Park Service (NPS)

This photo shows Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona
This photo shows Grand Canyon National Park in northern ArizonaAP

Emergency teams, along with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, continue search and evacuation efforts to locate possible hikers who were in the affected areas. By early Sunday, 62 people had been evacuated.

The situation worsened after the floods knocked out the sole water pipeline supplying tourists and park residents. Due to the lack of supply, as of Monday, overnight stays in Grand Canyon hotels and hostels will not be allowed, while authorities have asked residents to reduce water consumption.

The NPS also warned of significant damage to the Bright Angel Canyon. Almost all pedestrian walkways crossing the creek were destroyed, while access to the Colorado River and several bridges will remain closed until further notice.

Authorities are maintaining emergency measures in anticipation of new storms and heavy rains.