National Park Service says 15 unaccounted for after flash flood in Grand Canyon

The National Park Service pleaded Sunday for the public’s help in locating 15 people who are missing or unaccounted for after flash floods swept through a popular camping and hiking area in the Grand Canyon.The agency said it was looking for any information on people camping or hiking in the vicinity of Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch on Saturday when rains deluged the area.
“The National Park Service is asking anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, as well as anyone who had a campground reservation in the affected corridor, to provide information to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB),” the agency said.
“This includes individuals who may have been traveling along the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or traveling or staying in the area known as ‘the Box’ north of Phantom Ranch,” it added.
At least 62 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, and extensive damage was reported, including footbridges along Bright Angel Creek, officials said.
Park officials told NBC News some Colorado River crossings were closed while damage is evaluated.
Flooding also knocked out the lone pipeline that provides tourists and residents with water at the park, officials told The Associated Press late Sunday.
Lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon National Park are closed to tourists starting Monday.

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