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15 Missing After Grand Canyon Flash Flood

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Fifteen people were unaccounted for at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona after a significant flash flood struck on Saturday, park officials said. The National Park Service is seeking anyone with information about hikers in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, revising the missing count from 20 to 15. Park workers and the Arizona Department of Public Safety continue evacuation and response efforts, with no missing individuals located during helicopter searches on Sunday morning.

At least 62 people were evacuated to Maswik Lodge on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross provided assistance. No injuries have been reported. Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating pedestrian access.

Stronghold Engineering's Scott Bailey reported that more than 20 workers and about 30 campers were evacuated from their area, with temporary housing washed away and power and communications lost. Officials warned of additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that could cause further flooding and debris flows. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the entire North Kaibab Trail remain closed until further notice.