A search operation is under way in Arizona's Grand Canyon after flash flooding on Saturday left about 15 people feared missing, with more than 60 evacuated as floodwaters swept debris into the Colorado River.
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Key facts
- Flash flooding struck the Grand Canyon on Saturday.
- About 15 hikers are feared missing, with earlier reports citing more than 20 unaccounted for.
- More than 60 people have been evacuated.
- Floodwaters swept large boulders and other debris into the Colorado River.
- One hiker who was airlifted to safety described people screaming as the flooding hit.
A search is under way in Arizona’s Grand Canyon after flash flooding tore through the area on Saturday, leaving a number of hikers feared missing, according to reports from the BBC and Al Jazeera.
Estimates of the number of people unaccounted for have varied as the situation developed. The BBC reported that more than 20 people were thought to be unaccounted for, while later reporting put the figure at around 15 hikers feared missing. Al Jazeera also reported that more than 20 people may be missing, with a separate report citing about 15.
More than 60 people have been evacuated, according to Al Jazeera, after the flooding swept large boulders and other debris into the Colorado River.
The scale and speed of the flooding was described by those caught up in it. One hiker who was airlifted to safety told the BBC that it had been “a beautiful day – and then people were screaming.”
A search for those still missing was continuing as of the latest reports. The exact number of people affected and the full extent of the damage had not been confirmed in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Flash floods can strike remote wilderness areas like the Grand Canyon with little warning, putting hikers and visitors at serious risk. The incident highlights the dangers such sudden weather events pose in popular but rugged national park terrain.
Frequently asked questions
How many people are missing after the Grand Canyon flash flood?
Reports have varied. The BBC initially said more than 20 people were thought to be unaccounted for, with later reporting citing around 15 hikers feared missing. Al Jazeera reported both figures across its coverage.
How many people have been evacuated?
According to Al Jazeera, more than 60 people have been evacuated after the flooding.
When did the flooding happen?
The flash flooding struck the Grand Canyon on Saturday, according to the BBC and Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- Two dead and more than a dozen missing after 'terrifying' flash flood hits Grand Canyon
BBC World: "It was a beautiful day – and then people were screaming," one hiker tells the BBC, as 14 people are missing.
- More storms possible at Grand Canyon where a flash flood killed 1 person and left 15 missing
CNBC Top News: State and federal officials ramped up efforts Monday to locate around 15 people who are missing after a major flash flood swept through in the Grand Canyon.
- Grand Canyon braces for more storms after deadly flash flood, about 15 people still missing
CNBC Top News: More rain and thunderstorms were possible Monday at the Grand Canyon following a major flash flood that left one person dead and about 15 others missing.
- One dead and several missing after 'terrifying' flash flooding hits Grand Canyon
BBC World: "It was a beautiful day – and then people were screaming," one hiker tells the BBC, as 15 people are missing.
- One dead and more than a dozen missing after 'terrifying' flash flood hits Grand Canyon
BBC World: "It was a beautiful day – and then people were screaming," one hiker tells the BBC, as 15 people are missing.
- Grand Canyon flash floods leave one dead and 15 missing
Sky News: One person has died, and around 15 people are missing or unaccounted for after a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon.
- One dead and about 15 people missing after flash flood in Grand Canyon
Al Jazeera: Dozens evacuated from US national park after flash flood hits the area of Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch.
- Dozens evacuated and about 15 missing after Grand Canyon flash flood
Al Jazeera: More than 60 people have been evacuated after flooding swept large boulders and other debris into the Colorado River.
- Flash flooding in Grand Canyon leaves more than 20 people missing
Al Jazeera: A search is under way for more than 20 people who may be missing after flash floods tore through Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
- 15 hikers feared missing after 'terrifying' flash flooding hits Grand Canyon
BBC World: "It was a beautiful day – and then people were screaming," one hiker who was airlifted to safety tells the BBC.
- Hikers feared missing after 'terrifying' flash flooding hits Grand Canyon
BBC World: More than 20 people are thought to be unaccounted for after flash flooding on Saturday.
- Hikers feared missing after flash flooding hits Grand Canyon
BBC World: More than 20 people are thought to be unaccounted for after flash flooding on Saturday.