At least one person has died and about 15 others remain missing or unaccounted for following a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
The flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of at least 62 people.
According to the National Park Service, the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River.
The powerful flood swept boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River, destroyed footbridges and significantly altered sections of the landscape. The flooding also damaged the park’s main water pipeline.
Several popular areas, including Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and sections of the North Kaibab Trail, have been closed while authorities assess the damage. Rafting trips along the Colorado River have also been temporarily halted.
Search and evacuation operations are continuing as authorities work to account for those reported missing. No additional injuries have been reported.
More rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the area, raising concerns about further flooding.
