Search efforts are under way for hikers who may be missing after flash flooding swept through Bright Angel Canyon in Arizona’s Grand Canyon on Saturday, 29 August.
The National Park Service said on Sunday that it was seeking information about approximately 15 people who may have been in the affected area, while earlier reports had put the number of potentially unaccounted-for people at more than 20. Officials have not reported any injuries. ([nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/public-assistance-requested-to-account-for-individuals-following-grand-canyon-flash-flood.htm))
The flooding began at about 2.30pm local time in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area, causing extensive damage to trails and infrastructure. Nearly every footbridge across Bright Angel Creek was destroyed, according to the park service. ([nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/significant-flash-flooding-closes-phantom-ranch-and-north-kaibab-trail.htm))
By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. Further evacuations were planned from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch, with evacuees taken to the Maswik Lodge cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross was providing support. ([nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/significant-flash-flooding-closes-phantom-ranch-and-north-kaibab-trail.htm))
Grand Canyon flood searches continue as closures remain
Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the ranch’s canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail have been closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River have also been shut, while river traffic has been suspended because metal structures and debris were carried into the water. ([nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/significant-flash-flooding-closes-phantom-ranch-and-north-kaibab-trail.htm))
The National Park Service is asking anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on 29 August to contact its Investigative Services Branch. This includes people who travelled on the North Kaibab Trail, stayed at Bright Angel or Cottonwood campgrounds, or passed through the area known as the Box, north of Phantom Ranch. ([nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/public-assistance-requested-to-account-for-individuals-following-grand-canyon-flash-flood.htm))
Members of the public with relevant information can contact the NPS investigative tip line on 888-653-0009. Officials have asked for details including names, planned routes, group size, clothing or backpack descriptions and the last known location of those involved. ([nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/public-assistance-requested-to-account-for-individuals-following-grand-canyon-flash-flood.htm))
Park staff are continuing to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities and buildings. Further thunderstorms and heavy rain were forecast for Sunday and Monday, bringing the possibility of additional flash floods, debris flows and rockfalls. ([nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/significant-flash-flooding-closes-phantom-ranch-and-north-kaibab-trail.htm))
