Los Angeles, September 1: Flash floods at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona have led to the recovery of two bodies. Authorities report that over 12 individuals are still unaccounted for.
According to the U.S. National Park Service, severe flooding occurred on Saturday in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas. Park officials informed the media that at least 14 other people remain missing.
Officials are urging anyone with information about hikers or trekkers who were in the Bright Angel Creek area on August 29, or those who had camping reservations in the affected region, to contact the National Park Service’s investigation branch.
As per reports from Xinhua News Agency, park officials stated on Facebook that preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline has been damaged or completely destroyed. This pipeline supplies drinking water to the South Rim and facilities within the canyon.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid closed areas until search and rescue operations are complete. Currently, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch Canteen, the cabins in the area, and the entire North Kaibab Trail are closed until further notice.
In a statement released on Sunday, park officials confirmed that a total of 62 individuals have been safely evacuated from the affected area.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood alert for the Grand Canyon region, which will remain in effect at least until Monday evening. The agency warned that rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Monday afternoon and evening. With monsoon moisture persisting in several areas and the ground already saturated, the risk of flash flooding remains high until Monday.
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