Flash Floods in Grand Canyon: At Least 20 Hikers Missing
Authorities have launched a search operation, with over 62 people evacuated from the area. The floods destroyed pedestrian bridges and triggered mudslides, leaving several trails inaccessible.
More than 20 hikers visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, are missing following flash floods that reached the area starting at 14:30 local time. This was reported this evening, Sunday, by the Daily Mail.
Authorities are searching for the missing and are asking the public to assist in identifying the hikers on the trails they were walking. More than 62 people were evacuated yesterday from the area following the floods. All pedestrian bridges crossing Bright Angel Creek were destroyed due to the extreme weather, which caused the creek to overflow its banks.
The US National Park Service stated in an announcement:
"Grand Canyon National Park teams, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are continuing evacuation and response efforts to the incident and are working to locate individuals who may have been in the affected area."
The Daily Mail noted that videos from the scene showed mudslides sweeping through the area, while hikers filmed them from a suspension bridge. As of now, there is no estimated date for the reopening of the blocked roads, and it may be necessary to close additional areas in the inner part of the canyon.
