Over 60 hikers and campers airlifted to safety

Footbridges, lodges swept away; Colorado River terrain altered

Water main damage forces suspension of overnight stays starting Monday

Only stone pier remnants remain after a footbridge crossing Bright Angel Creek was destroyed by a flash flood that struck Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Sunday (local time). The flood killed one person and left multiple others missing. [AFP]
Only stone pier remnants remain after a footbridge crossing Bright Angel Creek was destroyed by a flash flood that struck Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Sunday (local time). The flood killed one person and left multiple others missing. [AFP]

A flash flood struck Grand Canyon National Park after more than 25 millimeters of rain fell in just 20 minutes, killing one person and leaving about 15 others missing. Raging floodwaters swept away bridges and lodging structures, and damage to the water supply system has forced the park to suspend overnight accommodations.

Local authorities said the flood struck the Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Sunday afternoon (local time).

Park officials said about 15 people remain unaccounted for. The body of a 46-year-old man was found Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River.

More than 60 hikers and campers were evacuated by helicopter and other means.

Between 0.5 and 1 inch (12.7 to 25.4 millimeters) of heavy rain fell on the steep rocky terrain in just 20 minutes. Combined with a thunderstorm, creek levels rose rapidly, triggering the flash flood.

David Gregory, who was hiking at the time, said he noticed the creek turning muddy and flowing with increasing force before he was airlifted to a nearby high school.

Another camper, Erika Viola, witnessed a lodge building being swept away by the swollen creek before she too was evacuated by helicopter.

The flood reshaped the terrain inside the canyon. The fast-moving water destroyed most of the footbridge spanning Bright Angel Creek, and parts of the Colorado River's landscape were also altered.

Water infrastructure sustained significant damage as well. A problem with the main water pipe supplying Grand Canyon National Park has forced lodges and hotels inside the park to stop accepting guests starting Monday. Authorities also asked park residents to reduce water use as much as possible.

The pipeline had already been undergoing repairs and water system upgrades since 2023 due to aging infrastructure, with $208 million committed to the project. The work had been scheduled for completion next year.

Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, drawing about 6 million visitors a year. About 1,600 people live in Grand Canyon Village inside the park.

The threat of further damage remains. More rain is possible through Monday, and park officials plan to continue evacuation efforts. Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and sections of the North Kaibab Trail have also been closed.

No South Korean casualties from the flood have been reported so far.


sjy@heraldcorp.com