United States: Flash floods at Arizona’s Grand Canyon have left one person dead and 15 others missing, while rescue and evacuation operations continue, park officials said.
A 46-year-old man died after being swept away by floodwaters near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, according to Grand Canyon National Park officials.
A series of storms struck the Grand Canyon region on Saturday, August 29, with flash flooding reported from around 2:30 p.m. The flooding swept through parts of the national park and caused significant damage, including to footbridges.
Park officials launched evacuation efforts for hikers and campers stranded by the flooding. Helicopter searches were conducted on Sunday along the North Kaibab Trail and sections of the Colorado River between the mouth of Bright Angel Creek and Deer Creek Narrows.
The searches did not locate the 15 people reported missing.
What is the impact of the flash flooding?
The flooding damaged the pipeline that supplies drinking and firefighting water to facilities on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
The South Rim contains a large concentration of hiking trails, accommodation facilities and tourist services and is expected to receive increased visitor numbers ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The damage to the water system could affect park operations and visitors if repairs are not completed.
How are authorities searching for the missing?
Park officials are continuing efforts to locate the 15 missing people following the flooding.
Search teams have focused on areas along trails and the Colorado River that were affected by the storms and resulting floodwaters.
Authorities are also assessing damage caused by the floods while evacuation and emergency response operations continue across affected areas of the national park.