The Grand Canyon National Park was struck by devastating flash floods over the weekend, resulting in a tragic loss of life and ongoing rescue efforts. The floods, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, have left two people dead and one person missing, according to authorities. The National Park Service (NPS) and other agencies are working tirelessly to account for all individuals in the affected areas.
The floods struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area, popular destinations for hikers, around 2:30 p.m. local time on Saturday. The intense rainfall, which lasted for about six hours, caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek. This has severely impacted hiker access across the creek.
The Impact of the Flash Floods
The flash floods resulted in widespread destruction, wiping out campgrounds, structures, hiking trails, and vital infrastructure. Survivors recounted how they ran for their lives as the floodwaters swept through the canyon. The NPS confirmed that 82 people were rescued from the canyon, most by helicopter, while a few were able to hike out.
The floods were particularly severe due to the steepness of the canyon and the burn scar from last year’s Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim. The initial rounds of rain saturated the soil, making the area more prone to dangerous flash flooding when the fourth, more intense round of rain hit.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
As of Sunday evening, the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. The family of the other recovered victim identified him as Dr. John Giusti, a Texas chiropractor and married father of three daughters. The search for the remaining missing person is ongoing, with a Border Patrol technical search team, Bluetooth technology, and a drone being utilized to scan the damaged area.
The NPS has asked for the public’s help in identifying any hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, as well as anyone who had a campground reservation in the affected corridor. More than 20 people were initially reported missing, but authorities have received hundreds of tips and are working to verify the information.
Ongoing Closures and Evacuations
The flash floods have led to significant closures and evacuations within the park. 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 are closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River are also closed. Evacuees are being transported to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is coordinating assistance.
The Colorado River is currently closed to river traffic due to metal structures and debris entering the river. River parties already in the canyon are receiving direction through river operations rangers and the Grand Canyon River Alert system. Visitors with upcoming river trips should contact their commercial outfitter or NPS River Permits for trip-specific information.
Additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible, which could result in further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall, and changing trail and river conditions. The NPS is continuing to assess the damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities, and other infrastructure.
