Flash Flood in Grand Canyon Leaves Over 20 Missing

A devastating flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park has left more than 20 individuals missing. The incident, which occurred in Bright Angel Canyon, prompted immediate evacuation efforts. Authorities are urging anyone with information about hikers in the area to come forward. As rescue operations continue, the park's infrastructure has suffered significant damage, with many footbridges destroyed. A warning for further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall has been issued, raising concerns about additional flooding. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 12:24 IST

Severe Flash Flooding in Grand Canyon National Park

Screengrab image shows the flood situation in US Grand Canyon(Source: @DrNeculai/X)

Los Angeles, Aug 31: Authorities have reported that over 20 individuals are currently unaccounted for following a flash flood incident in Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona.

The US National Park Service described the event as a "significant flash-flood event" that took place in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday (local time).

They have requested anyone with knowledge of hikers or backpackers present in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek on August 29, or those with campground reservations in the impacted area, to share information with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.

Park officials are actively engaged in evacuation and response operations in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, while also attempting to locate individuals who may have been in the affected region.

As of the morning of August 30, 62 people have been successfully evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail.

The evacuees are being transported to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where assistance is being coordinated by the American Red Cross.

"Currently, there have been no reported injuries," stated an official.

The flash flood has caused extensive damage to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon, with nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek being destroyed, which has hindered hiker access across the creek.

"Staff at Grand Canyon National Park are continuing to evaluate the damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities, and other infrastructure," they noted.

Furthermore, a warning for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall has been issued for Monday, which could lead to further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfalls, and alterations in trail and river conditions.