ARIZONA, USA—A violent flash flood struck the Bright Angel
Canyon and Phantom Ranch area within Grand Canyon National Park over the
weekend, leaving at least two people dead and about 15 missing, according to
the U.S. National Park Service (NPS).
The emergency occurred on Saturday, August 29, when heavy
rains caused Bright Angel Creek to overflow. The force of the water swept away
large rocks, mud, and other debris, destroying walkways and causing significant
damage to trails and park infrastructure.
Emergency crews conducted air evacuations and successfully
rescued dozens of visitors from the affected areas. The NPS is maintaining a
search and recovery operation to locate those who remain missing or whose
whereabouts have not yet been confirmed.
One of the bodies recovered is that of a 46-year-old man,
found near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River. Authorities are continuing to
work to fully identify the victims and establish the circumstances of each
death.