LOS ANGELES: Grand Canyon authorities are searching for about 15 people believed to be missing after a powerful flash flood swept through parts of Grand Canyon National Park, triggering evacuations and damaging critical infrastructure.
🇺🇸A massive flash flood in the Grand Canyon, according to the U.S. National Park Service.
More than 15 people are missing. pic.twitter.com/JjAD47Hyyt
— FREDDY GUSTAVO BORJA BORJA (@FreddyGusBorjaB) August 31, 2026
The flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area in the afternoon after rainfall over the Kaibab Plateau sent torrents of muddy water, logs and debris rushing through the canyon.
The National Park Service (NPS) initially said more than 20 people were believed missing but later revised the figure to around 15 as efforts continued to account for visitors.
Grand Canyon Flash Flood Triggers Evacuations
As of Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated, while further evacuations were planned in coordination with Arizona authorities.
Despite the scale of the flooding, the NPS said there were no reported deaths or injuries.
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Video footage captured by hikers showed fast-moving muddy water surging along trails and beneath footbridges as debris was carried downstream.
The flash flood began at around 2:30 pm on Saturday, according to park authorities.
Further Flooding Risk Remains
Officials warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could continue through Monday, raising the risk of further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfalls and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.
The flooding also damaged a key water pipeline serving Grand Canyon National Park, prompting authorities to impose water restrictions in the park’s most visited area.
Wood and charcoal fires have also been banned, while some overnight accommodation facilities will temporarily close.
The Grand Canyon will remain open for day visitors, although authorities have urged people to remain alert to changing weather and trail conditions as search, evacuation and recovery operations continue.
