Flash flooding has hit the Grand Canyon, leaving dozens of people missing after a terrifying incident in Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday. The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed that the flood occurred at around 14:30 local time (22:30 BST) and affected a significant portion of the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor.

Timeline of Events

According to Nikki Baggs, who was part of the group of hikers, they were caught off guard As soon as the rain hit, Baggs and her friends headed toward higher ground, where they sat at a picnic table, before rangers yelled to them to run again to a different ledge, where they waited with others for hours before being evacuated at around 21:30 local time.

The NPS has warned that more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast for Sunday and Monday, which could lead to additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall, and changing trail and river conditions. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the US, with about five million people visiting each year.

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Current Situation

Sixty-two people have so far been airlifted out of the area, with more expected to follow. No injuries have been reported. The NPS is asking anyone who knew of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday to get in touch.

Background

The Bright Angel trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Grand Canyon, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The park's rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions make it a challenging destination for even the most experienced hikers.

Response and Recovery Efforts

The NPS has activated its emergency response plan to coordinate rescue efforts and provide support to affected families. The park's staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded in the area and ensure their safety.