Sadia J. Choudhury :
A sudden and powerful flash flood swept through parts of Grand Canyon National Park, prompting a major rescue and evacuation operation. At least 62 people have been safely evacuated by helicopter, while approximately 15 people remain unaccounted for, authorities said.
The flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas Saturday afternoon after intense rainfall. Within a short period, rapidly rising water surged through the canyon, carrying rocks, debris and other materials toward the Colorado River.
Several pedestrian bridges across Bright Angel Creek were damaged or destroyed by the powerful currents, leaving portions of the popular backcountry route inaccessible.
Rescue teams, working with public safety authorities, used helicopters to evacuate hikers, campers and visitors stranded in the affected areas. More than 60 people were evacuated from the Phantom Ranch area. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported so far.
Authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations and are gathering information about people who may have been in Bright Angel Canyon, the North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Campground and an area known as “The Box” when the flooding occurred.
Several facilities and trails in the affected area have been closed until further notice, while boat traffic on the Colorado River has also been temporarily suspended.
Forecasters are warning of additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the region, raising concerns about further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfalls and landslides.
Authorities are urging visitors to stay away from closed areas and remain alert as rescue crews continue searching for those still unaccounted for.
