Sunday, August 30, 2026 - A major flash flood has triggered an urgent search-and-rescue operation inside Arizona’s Grand Canyon, with more than 20 people initially feared missing or unaccounted for.
The National Park Service said the flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday afternoon, sending torrents of water, mud, rocks and debris through popular hiking areas.
At least 62 people have been evacuated by helicopter as authorities work to determine the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for. The latest update put the number of people who may be missing or unaccounted for at about 15.
The flooding caused widespread destruction, with nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek washed away and major trails and tourist facilities closed until further notice.
The surge also damaged the Transcanyon Waterline, leaving the park with limited water reserves and forcing officials to introduce strict conservation measures, including suspending overnight lodging. The Colorado River has also been temporarily closed to river traffic because of debris swept into the water.
The situation remains dangerous as forecasters warn of additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that could trigger more flash floods, rockfalls and debris flows.
Search and evacuation efforts are continuing, while park officials are urging anyone with information about hikers, backpackers or campers who were in the affected corridor on August 29 to come forward. With conditions still unstable, authorities are treating the disaster as an active emergency and warning visitors to stay away from the closed areas.
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