Flash Flood at U.S. Grand Canyon After Sudden Rainstorm Leaves 1 Dead, 15 Missing

[Financial News] Heavy rain triggered flooding at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, leaving one person dead and about 15 others missing. The flood also cut off the park’s water supply, making overnight stays inside the park impossible.
According to AP and CBS News on the 30th local time, a sudden flood hit the Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Ranch areas of Grand Canyon National Park the previous afternoon. Bridges and other structures were destroyed, and more than 60 hikers and campers at the scene were rescued by helicopter and other means. Near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, the body of a 46-year-old man was found on the evening of the 30th. Park authorities said that "the whereabouts of 15 people remain unknown so far."
Park authorities also explained that "due to a problem with the main water pipeline supplying the national park, lodging at park lodges and hotels will not be available from the 31st." They asked residents in the park area to conserve water. AP reported that work to repair the pipeline and upgrade the water system, at a cost of $208 million, began in 2023 and was still under way, with completion expected next year.
According to the National Weather Service, intense rain of 0.5 to 1 inch (12.7 to 25.4 mm) fell in just 20 minutes over a steep rocky area, and the storm triggered the flooding. David Gregory, who was hiking at the time, told CNN that "the creek water turned muddy and I saw it start flowing more and more forcefully," adding that he evacuated by helicopter to a nearby high school. Another camper, Erica Viola, said she also evacuated by helicopter after seeing "the creek rise and the lodging building get swept away."
AP reported that more rain could fall through the 31st. Park authorities said they would continue additional evacuation operations and close parts of Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and the North Kaibab Trail.
Meanwhile, no Korean casualties have been reported in connection with the Grand Canyon flood.
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