Overview
- The flash flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch corridor around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, sending fast runoff and debris down steep tributaries and ripping away footbridges and trail structures.
- Rescuers from the National Park Service and the Arizona Department of Public Safety airlifted about 62 people to the South Rim and moved evacuees to Maswik Lodge where the American Red Cross is providing support.
- Park officials say roughly 15 people remain unaccounted for as searches continue and the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids; the NPS is asking anyone with information to call the ISB tip line at 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov.
- Widespread damage closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the entire North Kaibab Trail, the Black and Silver bridges, and suspended Colorado River traffic after metal and debris entered the channel and the Transcanyon Waterline was put out of service.
- Forecasters warn additional storms through Monday could produce more flash flooding and debris flows, and park officials say last year’s Dragon Bravo Fire burn scar has increased runoff and debris‑flow risk in the affected watersheds.