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Fifteen people may be missing or unaccounted for after a major flash flood tore through a remote area of the Grand Canyon, prompting an urgent public plea from the National Park Service.
Grand Canyon National Park said 62 people had been evacuated as of Sunday morning from Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, where significant flooding hit on Aug. 29.
Officials are asking for the public’s help to account for approximately 15 people who may have been in the affected area during the flood.
“Additional evacuations are planned today,” the park said, warning that more thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible Sunday and Monday, raising the threat of further flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall.
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The flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Aug. 29, according to the National Park Service, adding that nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said state emergency officials are coordinating with federal and local authorities as the search continues.
“My heart is with the families and loved ones of every person unaccounted for after the flash flooding at the Grand Canyon,” Hobbs wrote on X. “DEMA is coordinating with NPS and Coconino County Emergency Management to support search and recovery efforts.”
She also thanked first responders “working to keep our communities safe when disaster strikes.”
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes called the flash flooding “devastating” and thanked first responders for searching for those still unaccounted for and evacuating others from the affected area.
“The physical damage includes a historic lodge near the bottom of the site and untold environmental upheaval,” Fontes said in a statement. “I send my prayers to the community as the search for those unaccounted for continues.”
Park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are continuing evacuation and response operations as they work to account for people who may have been caught in the affected corridor.
Officials are asking anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek that day to contact investigators.
The request also applies to anyone with a campground reservation in the affected area.
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The National Park Service said it is trying to identify people who may have been traveling on the North Kaibab Trail between the North Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground or traveling through an area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch.
The agency did not release details about the people who may be missing or unaccounted for, including whether they were hikers, campers or park visitors with reservations in the area.
The American Red Cross is opening a shelter at 8 p.m. at Grand Canyon High School, 100 Boulder St. in Grand Canyon Village, for people impacted by the flooding. Those seeking more information can call 1-800-733-2767.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or [email protected].
