Search continues for missing hiker after deadly Grand Canyon floods
A desperate search is under way for one person still missing in the Grand Canyon after flash floods swept through the park, killing two people and forcing the rescue of around 80 hikers and backpackers. The floods struck on Saturday afternoon near the Colorado River, hitting popular lodges and campsites used by hikers crossing between the canyon's rims, and officials have warned that further flooding remains possible, prompting a ban on tourists staying overnight in the park and emergency water restrictions for residents.
Incident commander Dave Black said search teams used night-vision equipment overnight and cross-checked permits and vehicle records to establish who was still unaccounted for, narrowing the list to a single missing hiker by Monday evening. Meteorologists said roughly half an inch to an inch of rain fell in just 30 minutes over steep, rocky terrain, sending mudslides and debris crashing through the canyon and destroying the park's only water pipeline as well as a footbridge at Phantom Ranch, from which dozens of campers had to flee minutes earlier. Witnesses described terrifying scenes of rockslides and logs churning through the swollen river as helicopters evacuated visitors to safety.
- One hiker still missing after Grand Canyon flash floods; two dead.
- About 80 people rescued or evacuated since Saturday's sudden downpour.
- Water pipeline and a footbridge destroyed; more flooding feared.
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Search teams in the Grand Canyon are working to find the last person unaccounted for after flash floods tore through the park on Saturday afternoon, killing two people and forcing about 80 hikers and backpackers to be rescued. The floods hit areas around the Colorado River, including lodges and campsites used by people crossing between the canyon's two rims, and caused serious damage to infrastructure such as the park's water pipeline and a footbridge at Phantom Ranch.
The Grand Canyon is a vast, deep gorge in Arizona, in the United States, and one of the most visited national parks in the country. Its remote, steep terrain and popularity with hikers and campers, some of whom cross between the North and South Rims on multi-day routes, means sudden extreme weather can put large numbers of people at risk with little warning.
The flooding was triggered by intense rainfall falling in a short space of time over rocky ground, which sent water, mud and debris rushing through the canyon. Because of the risk of further flooding, officials have temporarily banned overnight tourist stays in the park and introduced water restrictions for residents, reflecting how the damage to the pipeline has affected the wider water supply.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Desperate search for person missing in Grand Canyon after two bodies found and 80 rescued amid warning of more flooding”.