"Vanished Without a Trace"... Over 20 Missing After Grand Canyon Hit by 'Water Bomb'

Grand Canyon Inundated by Flash Flood
62 People Rescued by Helicopter
Search for Missing Hampered Amid Fears of More Heavy Rain

A surge in missing persons has been reported following a major flash flood in the Grand Canyon, one of America's most iconic national parks.

Muddy floodwaters are flowing near Bright Angel Creek by Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon. Photo by U.S. National Park Service

On August 30 (local time), The Washington Post reported that the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) received reports that more than 20 hikers and backpackers who had been staying in the canyon have gone missing or were out of contact following the flood that struck the previous afternoon. The NPS is currently taking tips regarding their whereabouts.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on the 29th, when a sudden downpour hit the area around Bright Angel Creek, North Kaibab Trail, and Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon.

According to authorities, strong rain amounting to 0.5 to 1 inch (12.7 to 25.4 mm) fell over about one hour near Bright Angel Creek. Water from the steep rock slopes rushed rapidly into the canyon below, creating a massive torrent.

Due to the sudden flood that occurred on the 29th, the pedestrian-only bridge was destroyed, leaving only the remnants of the Dol Bridge pier scattered around Bright Angel Creek. Photo by the U.S. National Park Service

The flood caused significant damage to facilities, including the destruction of the pedestrian-only bridge crossing Bright Angel Creek. Most of the footbridge over Bright Angel Creek was washed away by the fast and powerful current, and even the landscape along the Colorado River is believed to have been altered as a result.

Park officials reported that, by the morning of the 30th, helicopters had been deployed to airlift 62 stranded campers to safety. As of now, no injuries have been confirmed among those rescued. The stretch of the Colorado River adjacent to the affected areas has also been entirely closed off due to debris and the remnants of destroyed structures in the water.

The authorities are enforcing strict access restrictions in the damaged zones; however, the local weather service has forecast more thunderstorms, heavy rain, and possible rockfalls through the early morning of the 31st, warning the public to exercise special caution.

A park official explained, "Difficulties in compiling missing persons data persist due to heightened risks of additional collapses and worsening weather conditions." The National Park Service plans to proceed with further evacuations and rescue operations, and intends to close portions of Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and the North Kaibab Trail.

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