Flash flood in Grand Canyon leaves 15 missing and prompts mass evacuation

A sudden flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona on Tuesday, forcing authorities to evacuate more than 60 visitors and leaving at least 15 people unaccounted for. The deluge followed a bout of heavy thunderstorms that dumped several inches of rain across the region in a short period, overwhelming the normally dry canyon floor.

Park officials and local emergency crews responded quickly, moving hikers and tourists out of low‑lying areas and setting up temporary shelters at nearby facilities. By late afternoon, 62 individuals had been relocated to safety, while search teams continued to comb the riverbanks and trailheads for the missing. The National Park Service confirmed that the missing persons are presumed to be caught in the fast‑moving water, but no bodies have been recovered so far.

Meteorologists warned that the storm system responsible for the flash flood could spawn additional showers and thunderstorms over the next 48 hours. The forecast calls for more heavy rain across parts of the Southwest, raising concerns that further flash‑flood events could develop in other canyon corridors and desert washes. Residents in nearby towns were urged to stay alert, conserve water, and follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities.

The incident underscores the inherent risks of flash flooding in arid landscapes, where dry soil can turn into a slick, fast‑flowing channel within minutes. Visitors to the Grand Canyon are reminded to monitor weather alerts, avoid narrow canyons during storms, and heed the advice of park rangers. As rescue operations proceed, families of the missing await news, while officials stress that safety remains the top priority amid the lingering threat of more storms.