A devastating flash flood has swept through Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, a popular destination for hikers. According to Eyewitness News, rescuers are now racing to find more than a dozen people who remain unaccounted for after the floodwaters tore through the park. The report described a desperate search for those still missing following the sudden disaster.
Eyewitness News reported that torrential rain rushed through the canyon, washing away trails, damaging bridges and battering trees. The force of the water was strong enough to carry tree stumps, debris and part of a structure downstream, according to the broadcaster, underlining just how powerful the flooding was as it moved through the canyon.
Among those caught up in the flooding was Erica Viola, who according to Eyewitness News was forced to flee the Bright Angel campsite near Phantom Ranch with her husband when fast rising floodwaters poured in. She described running as hard as she could through deep mud, water and debris, and a moment when she did not think she would make it in time, with her husband pulling her through as they escaped.
Viola and her husband joined other campers racing to safety as the floodwaters rushed downstream. According to Eyewitness News, they managed to escape, but most of their belongings were swept away in the flooding. The couple were among a larger group of campers who found themselves trapped and waiting for help as the water rose around them.
A large scale rescue operation was launched in response. Eyewitness News reported that the campers waited nearly three hours before pilots airlifted more than 60 people to safety, with one evacuee filming the flight out from inside a rescue helicopter. Officials said the search was continuing for those who were still unaccounted for after the flooding.
According to Eyewitness News, the avalanche of water also knocked out the sole water pipeline that serves tourists in the park. As a result, officials said the park will implement significant water restrictions starting tomorrow. The disruption to the water supply added to the wider damage the flooding caused to the park's infrastructure.
The danger may not be over. Eyewitness News reported that the National Park Service warned even more thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible through Monday, which could lead to more flash flooding as well as the risk of rockfall. Authorities urged continued caution as crews pressed on with the search across the affected areas of the canyon.