Grand Canyon Flash Flood Video: 20 Missing As 62 Evacuated From Phantom Ranch in US
About 15 people are feared missing after a major flash flood swept through Arizona’s Grand Canyon, forcing the evacuation of 62 people from Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch. Footbridges were destroyed and debris was pushed into the Colorado River. Park officials have closed several sites and warned of more storms.
At least 20 people are feared missing after major flash flooding hit the Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona, the National Park Service has said. As of Sunday morning, August 30, 62 people were evacuated due to flooding in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas on Saturday afternoon. The floods swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River, which runs through the park.
“The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for approximately 15 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash-flood event,” it said in a statement. The number represents a revision from an earlier estimate of more than 20 people who may have been missing or unaccounted for. New York City Flash Flood: Woman Swept Away After Getting Off Bus, Video Goes Viral.
Grand Canyon Flash Flood
STAGE 4 WATER RESTRICTIONS BEGIN AUG. 31
Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim at noon Aug. 31 following significant flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon on Aug. 29.
Flooding damaged the Transcanyon Waterline, leaving the park… pic.twitter.com/nbzJENbSFL
— Grand Canyon NPS (@GrandCanyonNPS) August 31, 2026
Grand Canyon Flash Flood Video
BREAKING 🚨 More than 20 people may be missing after Grand Canyon flash flood: US park service pic.twitter.com/x9mCeyOvSG
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 30, 2026
Grand Canyon Flooding Causes Major Damage
The flooding in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River, wiped out footbridges over the creek and significantly altered the landscape, widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new river rapid.
The National Park Service said nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating pedestrian access across the creek. Officials continued assessing damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure.
The flooding also pushed metal structures and debris into the Colorado River, prompting the park to halt river traffic in the affected area until further notice. The incident has also disrupted essential water infrastructure serving the canyon.
Popular Areas Remain Closed
Popular tourist spots, including the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab trail, remained closed on Sunday while park officials surveyed the damage, the park said. Rafting trips on the Colorado River also have been halted for now.
The National Park Service has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge have also been closed to river crossings, with no estimated reopening date.
Hikers Describe Sudden Flooding
Parth Desai was hiking through a narrow passage in Bright Angel Canyon with a group of fellow doctors and a park ranger when the downpour started. “We saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere; boulders, mud, landslides happening everywhere,” he told The Associated Press news agency.
“This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape Grand Canyon is,” Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, told AP. The National Weather Service said the affected area received a rapid burst of rainfall, with about half an inch to 1 inch falling within roughly 30 minutes, according to AP. Much of the rain ran off quickly because of the canyon’s steep terrain.
Search And Evacuation Efforts Continue
The Grand Canyon National Park Service said it is working in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, with additional evacuations planned on Sunday. No injuries have been reported so far.
The National Park Service has asked people who know hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor, on the North Kaibab Trail, at Bright Angel Campground or in the area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch to provide information that could help authorities account for them.
More Severe Weather Possible
More rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the area into Monday, August 31. The National Park Service warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could lead to more flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.
Officials have urged visitors to stay away from closed areas while crews continue evacuations, damage assessments and efforts to account for people who may have been in the affected parts of the canyon.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2026 07:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
