Grand Canyon flash flood horror: 1 dead, 15 feared missing after deadly deluge

According to local media reports, the flash flood destroyed footbridges and forced the evacuation of a large number of campers and hikers from the affected areas.

In a Facebook post, Grand Canyon National Park said recovery operations had been completed for a 46-year-old man near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River.

In a separate statement, authorities appealed to the public for information about approximately 15 people who may be missing or unaccounted for following the significant flash-flood event in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.

Grand Canyon National Park staff, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are continuing evacuation and response efforts while working to account for people who may have been in the affected areas.

The park said the flooding caused extensive damage to inner-canyon infrastructure, including the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water to parts of the park.

The waterline is currently not operational, leaving the park with limited water reserves.

Authorities said 62 people have so far been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail.

Grand Canyon Park Announces Restrictions

Following the flash flood, the park authorities announced several measures to conserve water and ensure visitor safety.

Overnight accommodations: All park concession-operated overnight accommodations will close beginning August 31. These include El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Phantom Ranch, Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village. Hotels in Tusayan will not be affected.

Dry camping only: Water spigots at South Rim campgrounds will be turned off. Bathroom faucets will remain operational, while water will be available at the Mather Campground check-in kiosk.

No fires: Wood-burning and charcoal fires are prohibited on the South Rim and in the inner canyon, including campfires, warming fires and charcoal grills.

Day use continues: The park will remain open for day use. South Rim food and beverage services, the Grand Canyon Clinic and the Post Office will remain open, although some facilities may operate with reduced hours.

Water conservation: Visitors and residents have been asked to take showers lasting five minutes or less, turn off faucets while brushing their teeth or shaving, flush toilets selectively, run full loads of laundry and report leaks.

The measures have been introduced to conserve the park's limited water supplies as authorities assess the damage caused by the August 29 flash flood and work to stabilise the water system.

The latest incident comes just days after Nepal was hit by a severe flash-flood disaster that, according to reports, left more than 700 people dead.