"Could Something Really Terrible Happen Like This?"... 'Water Bomb' Hits Grand Canyon in the U.S., 15 Missing

A Popular Tourist Destination Welcoming Six Million Visitors Annually

Severe Storm Washes Away Pedestrian Bridges

NPS Continues Search for Missing Persons Using Helicopters

A sudden flash flood occurred at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA, resulting in one fatality and an estimated 15 people missing. As bridges were repeatedly washed away by the floodwaters, dozens of hikers and campers were urgently rescued by helicopter.

According to U.S. broadcaster CNN and other foreign news agencies on the 30th (local time), the National Park Service (NPS) announced that as of 6:30 p.m., the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River. The Coconino County Coroner's Office is currently determining the exact cause of death.

On the 30th (local time), Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA, was damaged by heavy rain and sudden flash floods that occurred the previous day. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Authorities initially estimated the number of people missing or unaccounted for at 20, but later adjusted the figure to approximately 15. The missing individuals are believed to have been undertaking long-distance trekking inside the canyon or were hiking around the North Kaibab Trail and Phantom Ranch area when the flood hit. The NPS has urged anyone with information on visitors to come forward and share it.

Sixty-two people at the scene, including climbers and campers, were also rescued by helicopters and other means. Authorities deployed helicopters to search the North Kaibab Trail and the Colorado River area but have not yet located any additional missing persons.

This flood occurred on the afternoon of the 29th, when a severe storm swept through the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, between 0.5 and 1 inch (12.7 to 25.4 mm) of heavy rain fell in just 20 minutes on the steep rocky terrain. Torrential rain combined with the storm triggered the flash flood.

As a result, most pedestrian bridges crossing Bright Angel Creek were washed away, and the swollen current widened the creek, forming new rapids. One hiker told CNN that they saw the stream near their campsite turn black with debris as it flowed swiftly.

The park's water supply facilities were also damaged. With the water pipes supplying drinking water to tourists broken, park access is expected to be significantly restricted ahead of the Labor Day holiday. The park announced that, starting on the 31st, accommodations would be suspended, use of water facilities at the South Rim campground would be prohibited, and the use of firewood and charcoal would also be banned.

The National Park Service has warned that further heavy rain could lead to additional flash floods, debris flows, and rockfalls. AP News reported that rain could continue through the 31st.

The Grand Canyon attracts about 6 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular national parks in the United States. The Bright Angel Trail, which suffered the brunt of the storm damage, is known as the most popular hiking course at the park, according to the BBC.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.