A flash flood that swept through parts of the Grand Canyon has killed one person and left 15 others missing or unaccounted for, the National Park Service (NPS) said. The flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, damaging infrastructure in the inner canyon. Footbridges were swept away and boulders were carried downstream, the park service said. Body Found Near Crystal RapidsThe NPS said the body of a 46-year-old man was found on Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. So far, 62 people have been airlifted out of the area, as officials continue efforts to identify those unaccounted for. Nikki Baggs, 41, who was among those flown out, told the BBC about the sudden change from calm weather to an emergency. She said the group had been at Phantom Ranch, a remote lodge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, after dropping off their belongings at a cabin earlier on Saturday. Baggs said they stepped out to enjoy the conditions before heavy water began moving through the area. She added that, as soon as the rain started, she and two friends moved toward higher ground and sat at a picnic table. She said rangers later told them to run again to a different ledge. The group waited with others there for several hours before being evacuated at about 21:30 local time. Baggs said she and her friends had been looking forward to a steak dinner at Phantom Ranch, but they were instead focused on surviving the fast-moving flood. She described the rescue response as coordinated and credited rangers’ direction for helping people reach safer ground. Search Focus After Missing Numbers RevisedIn an initial statement, the NPS said it was looking for information on more than 20 people reported missing or unaccounted for. It later revised the figure down to “approximately 15”. The BBC said it had contacted the NPS for further comment. Officials also reported that the flooding caused significant damage in some areas and that trails in the region have been closed. Lodgings Shut On South Rim, More Storms ForecastOvernight guest lodgings on the South Rim will stop from Monday until further notice, the NPS said, citing extensive damage to the park’s water infrastructure. The NPS asked anyone who knew hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday to get in touch. The park service also warned that thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast for Sunday and Monday. It said conditions could worsen through additional flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall, with changing trail and river conditions. The Grand Canyon is one of the United States’ most visited national parks, drawing about five million visitors each year. The Bright Angel trail is its most popular hike. Join the discussion? 31 August 2026
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