Overview
- A sudden, intense monsoon-driven flash flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch corridor on Saturday, causing rapid debris flows that destroyed nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek.
- Park officials confirmed two fatalities and said roughly 15 people remain unaccounted for as multi-agency search-and-rescue teams continue operations.
- Rescuers evacuated at least 62 people by helicopter from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab area, and teams used air searches and night-vision equipment while weather risk limited ground access.
- Preliminary assessments show about 40% damage to the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies South Rim facilities, prompting strict water-conservation rules, suspension of overnight stays, and closures of Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and parts of the North Kaibab Trail.
- Authorities are coordinating additional technical support including a planned U.S. Border Patrol team and are urging the public to report information to the NPS tip line as forecasts warn of more dangerous monsoon storms.