Authorities are intensifying search efforts for missing persons after a flash flood at the Grand Canyon. At least two deaths have been confirmed, while the main water pipeline has suffered severe damage. Officials have ordered the closure of park lodging and imposed water use restrictions.
Updates on the severe flash flood event at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA: the death toll has risen to at least two, while over 10 hikers and tourists remain missing or unreachable after heavy rainfall caused flash floods through Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch on 29 August.
Rescue teams continue searching for the missing, though adverse weather remains a major challenge. Forecasts predict more heavy rain and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of further flash flooding.
The National Park Service (NPS) reported at least two fatalities, including John Giusti, a chiropractor from Texas who had traveled to the Grand Canyon with friends for hiking and fishing.
Giusti and his group arrived on Friday before the flood hit Saturday. Two other members of the group remain unreachable as authorities intensify efforts to locate them and verify the list of people present during the incident.
Previously, officials evacuated over 60 tourists from the area, many requiring helicopter rescue due to blocked routes. The floodwaters carried logs, rocks, and debris down the creek with great force.
Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Ranch suffered heavy damage from the flood. Several pedestrian bridges were destroyed, and the North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Campground remain closed until further notice.
Authorities warn visitors to avoid affected areas due to debris and damaged structures in the waterways, with the possibility of additional flash floods from impending rainfall.
Beyond damage to trails and infrastructure, the flood severely impacted the Transcanyon Waterline, the park's crucial water pipeline, which is currently nonoperational.
Reports indicate about 40% of the 12.5-mile (approximately 20 kilometers) water pipeline was damaged or destroyed. A $200 million pipeline upgrade project was underway before the flood occurred.
In response, the NPS announced level 4 water use restrictions starting 31 August and suspended all hotel and lodging overnight stays within the park until further notice. Day visits remain allowed in open areas, camping without water hookups is permitted, and the public is urged to conserve water.
Officials and meteorologists continue to monitor weather closely as the Grand Canyon area remains at risk for thunderstorms and heavy rain, which could cause additional flash floods.
,AP
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