Arizona: At least 15 people are feared missing after a major flash flood struck the Grand Canyon in Arizona, according to the US National Park Service.
The flooding hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, forcing the evacuation of 62 people, park officials said. Powerful floodwaters swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River.
The National Park Service has appealed to the public for information about approximately 15 people who may be missing or unaccounted for following the flash-flood event. The flooding in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River, destroyed footbridges and significantly changed the surrounding landscape. The force of the water widened the creek bed and created what appeared to be a new rapid in the river.
⚠️ UPDATE: Significant flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the entire North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, Black Bridge, Silver Bridge and the Colorado River to river traffic until further notice.
As of this morning, 62 people… pic.twitter.com/oohovKcax9
— Grand Canyon NPS (@GrandCanyonNPS) August 30, 2026
Popular tourist locations, including Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch, along with sections of the North Kaibab Trail, remained closed as officials assessed the damage. Rafting activities on the Colorado River have also been suspended temporarily.
Parth Desai, who was hiking through a narrow section of Bright Angel Canyon with fellow doctors and a park ranger when the heavy rain began, described the sudden flooding. Parth Desai said the group witnessed the creek rapidly rise, with waterfalls appearing unexpectedly as boulders, mud and landslides moved through the canyon.
Jack Schmidt, director of the Centre for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, said the incident highlighted the constantly changing nature of the Grand Canyon landscape. The National Park Service is coordinating its response with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, while further evacuations were planned.
No injuries had been reported at the time of the latest update. However, additional rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the area, raising concerns about further flooding and hazardous conditions. Authorities are continuing search and assessment operations as they work to account for those who may still be missing.
MOST READ | Queensland woman gives birth to twins with different biological parents
