At least 20 missing, dozens evacuated from Grand Canyon after flash flood hits creek

More than 20 people may be missing after a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon, the US National Park Service said on Sunday.

The flood forced the evacuation of dozens of people and swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River that runs through it, the park service said.

The flooding in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the river, happened on Saturday afternoon. Torrents of water wiped out footbridges over the creek and significantly altered the landscape, widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new river rapid.

The park service said it was seeking information about more than 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for after the flood and asked anyone with details about people hiking or camping in the area to get in touch. It said it was working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to continue evacuations on Sunday.

“This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape Grand Canyon is,” said Jack Schmidt, director of the Centre for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University.

Popular tourist spots including the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab trail remained closed on Sunday while park officials surveyed the damage, the park said. Rafting trips on the Colorado River also have been halted for now.