2 dead, about 15 missing after flash flood tears through Grand Canyon

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 01, 2026

Photo courtesy: The Guardian

Less than a week after deadly flooding struck Nepal, another destructive flash flood has hit the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, leaving at least two people dead and about 15 others missing or unaccounted for.

Raging floodwaters carrying mud, large rocks and debris swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, August 29, causing widespread damage across one of the park’s busiest inner-canyon areas.

The force of the flood destroyed nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek and damaged trails, campgrounds and other infrastructure. Debris and metal structures were also swept toward the Colorado River.

Two bodies have since been recovered.

One of the victims was a 46-year-old man whose body was found near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River on Sunday evening. Authorities announced the recovery of a second body on Monday but have not yet released details about the victim.

Search and recovery operations remain underway for about 15 people who have yet to be accounted for. Authorities are working to determine whether hikers, backpackers and campers were caught in the flooding along the Bright Angel Creek corridor, North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Campground and surrounding areas.

More than 60 people have also been evacuated from the affected areas. 

At least 62 people were airlifted from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail as rescue teams used helicopters to reach visitors stranded inside the canyon.

The flooding began at around 2:30 PM. Saturday following intense thunderstorms over the area.

Because of the Grand Canyon’s steep and narrow terrain, heavy rainfall can quickly rush downhill and concentrate in creeks and side canyons, producing dangerous flash floods with little warning.

Forecasters warned that additional thunderstorms could bring another round of heavy rainfall, with the potential for flash flooding, debris flows and rockfalls. A flash flood watch remained in effect for the Grand Canyon area as rescue teams continued their operations.

Several areas remain closed because of the damage, including Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and the entire North Kaibab Trail between the trailhead and Phantom Ranch. The Black and Silver bridges across the Colorado River have also been closed until further notice.

Authorities continue to assess the extent of the destruction while searching for those still unaccounted for.