Boulders and debris swept into Colorado River as footbridges destroyed
The National Park Service reported a major flash flood on Bright Angel Creek at the Grand Canyon that forced the evacuation of dozens of people and swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River.
Torrents of water wiped out footbridges over the creek, the NPS said. The flooding “significantly altered the landscape,” widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new rapid in the Colorado.
The park service said it was seeking information on more than 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for after the flood, and asked anyone with details about people who were hiking or camping in the area to get in touch.
The NPS was coordinating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to continue evacuations Sunday.
Bright Angel Creek flows into the Colorado River, which runs through the Grand Canyon.
“This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape Grand Canyon is,” said Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University.
The Associated Press reported the flooding from Flagstaff, Arizona.