Flash Flood in Grand Canyon Leaves One Dead, 15 Missing
A flash flood in the Grand Canyon in Arizona, US, has resulted in at least one death and 15 people missing, according to reports aired on BBC Breakfast on Monday, August 31. The announcement was made by presenter Emma Vardy, who was co-hosting the programme with Roger Johnson during the Bank Holiday broadcast.
Vardy informed viewers that waters began to rise in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, sweeping away boulders and foot bridges. The National Park Service began airlifting campers and hikers to safety on Sunday morning.
Officials have confirmed that the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered on Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River in northern Arizona. The man's identity has not yet been released.
In total, 62 people have been airlifted out of the area. Among them was Nicki Baggs, 41, who was airlifted from the bottom of the Grand Canyon with two other friends. Baggs told the BBC: "The whole thing was terrifying. It was a beautiful day and then people were screaming, running."
US National Weather Service meteorologist Darren McCollum explained that rain falling just a few hours earlier meant that "when the main storm moved in, torrential rain fell on everything that was already soaked, and that caused all the problems that we're seeing."
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the Grand Canyon area through Monday evening, with more showers and thunderstorms in the forecast. The agency warned: "Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded."
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Grand Canyon National Park said: "The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office is currently onsite. There is no additional information to share at this time."