Authorities report that at least 15 individuals are believed to be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash flood that struck Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday afternoon. The deluge impacted the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas.

As of Sunday morning, park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety had successfully evacuated over 60 people from the affected region. Fortunately, no injuries have been officially reported, according to a statement from the National Park Service.

In the wake of the flood, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and its cabins, along with the entire North Kaibab Trail from its trailhead to Phantom Ranch, have been closed until further notice. This measure is a direct result of the extensive damage caused by the flooding.

Park officials have issued a public appeal for assistance in locating the missing individuals. They are asking anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday, or individuals with campground reservations in the impacted area, to contact the agency.

The floodwaters caused widespread destruction, with nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek being swept away. The Colorado River has also been closed to all river traffic due to the influx of debris and metal structures entering the waterway.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Flagstaff indicated that the area experienced approximately half an inch to one inch of rain within a 30-minute period. This intense rainfall occurred in a steep, rocky terrain, causing the water to run off almost immediately.

The flooding specifically affected the northern section of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek descends approximately 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) from the North Rim to the Colorado River. The forecast suggests the possibility of more rain and thunderstorms in the region through Monday.

English Translation:

At Least 15 People May Be Missing After Grand Canyon Flash Flood

Authorities have stated that a significant flash flood in Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday afternoon has resulted in at least 15 people being missing or unaccounted for. The event occurred in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas.

As of Sunday morning, over 60 individuals have been evacuated from the affected zone by park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The National Park Service has confirmed that no injuries have been reported thus far.

In response to the damage, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and its cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from its trailhead to Phantom Ranch are closed until further notice.

Park officials have released a separate statement requesting public assistance to account for individuals, particularly hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday, as well as anyone with a campground reservation in the affected corridor.

The floodwaters destroyed nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek. The Colorado River is also closed to traffic due to metal structures and debris entering the water.

According to a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, the area received about half an inch to one inch of rain within approximately 30 minutes in the steep, rocky terrain, with most of it running off instantly.

The flooding took place on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek descends around 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) from the North Rim to the Colorado River.

The possibility of additional rain and thunderstorms exists in the area through Monday.