World News
Flash floods in Grand Canyon kill two, prompt airlift of over 80 people
A rapid summer monsoon storm damaged critical infrastructure, wiped out footbridges, and left at least one person missing along the North Rim.
The short version
- A fast-moving monsoon storm caused severe flash flooding along Bright Angel Creek and the Grand Canyon's North Rim.
- Two people were killed, at least one individual remains missing, and more than 80 people were evacuated by helicopter.
- The floodwaters wiped out footbridges, damaged a major water-supply pipeline, and washed away miles of trail.
- The National Park Service is assessing the infrastructure damage and initiating repair and recovery efforts.
Key facts
- A severe thunderstorm triggered sudden flash flooding along Bright Angel Creek on the Grand Canyon's North Rim.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- Two people died in the flooding, and park rescue teams airlifted more than 80 individuals to safety.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- The storm washed out multiple key footbridges, damaged miles of trail, and severely impacted a critical water-supply line.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- Park rangers relocated dozens of people near Phantom Ranch to higher and safer ground before rising waters destroyed access bridges.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- Hikers reported rapid weather changes involving winds estimated at 40 mph, heavy hail, and rockfalls down canyon walls.[Associated Press · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- The identity and status of at least one missing person remain unconfirmed following the storm.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- The total financial cost of infrastructure damage and the timeline for rebuilding trails and footbridges are still being assessed by the National Park Service.[Associated Press · ABC News]