Flash Flood in Grand Canyon Kills 1, Leaves 15 Missing

At least one person has been killed and around 15 others remain missing after a flash flood struck the Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona, according to the National Park Service.

The flash flood hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday afternoon. At least 62 people were evacuated from the affected areas. Large rocks, metal structures and other debris were swept into the Colorado River by the floodwaters.

On Sunday evening, the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered from the Colorado River near Crystal Rapids.

Several areas popular with tourists, including the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab Trail, have been closed following the flooding. Rafting activities on the Colorado River have also been temporarily suspended.

The park’s main water pipeline was damaged by the floodwaters. As a result, overnight stays for tourists at lodges and hotels in Grand Canyon National Park will be suspended from Monday.

More rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the area through Monday, raising concerns about further flash flooding.

Source: Al Jazeera