Hikers feared missing after flash flooding hits Grand Canyon

More than 20 hikers are believed missing or unaccounted for after flash flooding swept through parts of the Grand Canyon, the National Park Service said. The flooding struck at approximately 14:30 local time (22:30 BST) on Saturday in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Sixty‑two individuals have been airlifted from the area so far, with additional evacuations expected. No injuries have been reported. The NPS said the flood caused significant damage in some areas and that trails in the region have been closed. It warned that thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for Sunday and Monday could trigger further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and changing trail and stream conditions. The NPS urged anyone with knowledge of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday to come forward. The Grand Canyon is one of the United States’ most visited national parks, drawing roughly five million visitors each year. The Bright Angel Trail is its most popular hike. Phantom Ranch can be reached only on foot, by mule or by rafting the Colorado River, according to Grand Canyon National Park Lodges.