Bright Angel Creek near the Phantom Ranger Station in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, experienced significant flash flooding on Saturday. The National Park Service is actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating up to 20 individuals who may be missing due to this sudden flood.

If you have information about hikers or backpackers present in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you held a campground reservation in the affected area, please reach out to the NPS Investigative Services Branch. This request applies to those who might have traveled along the North Kaibab Trail from its trailhead to Phantom Ranch, stayed at Bright Angel Campground, or were in the region known as ‘the Box’ north of Phantom Ranch.

The flash flood, occurring around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, has caused extensive damage to infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon. Almost all footbridges have been destroyed, cutting off hiker access to Bright Angel Creek. On Sunday morning, 62 people were evacuated from the area, with more evacuations underway from Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, and nearby sites. Evacuees are being transported to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is coordinating the assistance efforts.

The Park Service has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the trailhead to Phantom Ranch. The closure also extends to the Black Bridge and Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River, with no reopening date yet provided.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch in the Grand Canyon area through Monday evening, with forecasts predicting additional showers and thunderstorms. Flash flooding remains a threat in creeks, dry washes, swimming holes, and areas recently affected by fires. The agency warns of possible dangerous currents in side canyons and narrow slot canyons, along with potential flooding at low-water crossings.

A call for information has been made, urging individuals to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at (888) 653-0009 or via email at [email protected].

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Hayley Smith, an environment reporter at the Los Angeles Times, focuses on climate policy, technology, and solutions. She has previous experience on the breaking news team and holds a master’s degree in journalism from USC.