Disasters & Incidents
Grand Canyon flood leaves one person unaccounted for
One person remained unaccounted for after a deadly weekend flash flood in part of the Grand Canyon, officials said Monday, revising an earlier estimate that about 15 people were being sought.
"There is one person unaccounted for that we know of right now," incident commander Dave Black said. "We rescued 82 people out of the canyon."
The flooding hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, forcing evacuations and damaging infrastructure. Earlier National Park Service information said two people had died.
Rainstorms swept through Grand Canyon National Park on Monday and threatened search operations. The National Park Service said forecasted weather could affect the timing and pace of further searches.
The National Weather Service warned that more flooding was possible in creeks, dry washes, swimming holes, recently burned areas, side canyons and narrow slot canyons.
The flooding damaged or destroyed 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline, the main pipeline carrying water into the park, the National Park Service said. The park announced water restrictions in its most visited area and banned wood and charcoal fires.
The floods also destroyed footbridges and blocked hikers from crossing Bright Angel Creek. Trails down into the canyon from the South Rim remained open Monday, with staff warning visitors about possible sudden storms during the Southwest monsoon season.
Update
Officials said only one person remained unaccounted for, after earlier saying they were looking for about 15 people.
Incident commander Dave Black said 82 people had been rescued from the canyon.
Source note: AFP news report published on 1 September 2026 at 02:08:42 UTC.
Update
Heavy rainstorms swept through the Grand Canyon on Monday, threatening search efforts.
The National Park Service said forecasted weather may affect the timing and pace of further search operations.
The flooding damaged or destroyed 40 percent of the Transcanyon Waterline.
Trails down into the canyon from the South Rim remained open on Monday, with staff warning visitors about possible sudden storms.
Source note: AFP news report published on 31 August 2026 at 23:21:45 UTC.
Update
Grand Canyon National Park officials said the flash flood death toll had risen to two.
Source note: AFP news report published on 31 August 2026 at 15:48:24 UTC.
Update
The National Weather Service said rain and thunderstorms were expected again Monday afternoon and could cause more flash flooding.
The National Weather Service warned of possible dangerous currents in side canyons, narrow slot canyons, washes and low-water crossings.
Source note: AFP news report published on 31 August 2026 at 12:12:40 UTC.
Update
The National Park Service said the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River.
The flooding destroyed footbridges and blocked hikers from crossing Bright Angel Creek, according to the National Park Service.
The National Park Service said overnight accommodations were to be closed from Monday.
Source note: AFP news report published on 31 August 2026 at 06:33:11 UTC.
Update
The flooding damaged a key water pipeline into Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service said.
The park announced water restrictions in its most visited area and a ban on wood and charcoal fires.
Some overnight accommodations will close, while the park will remain open for day use.
Source note: AFP news report published on 31 August 2026 at 01:20:27 UTC.
Update
The National Park Service said about 15 people may be missing, down from an earlier estimate of more than 20.
The National Park Service said there were no confirmed deaths or injuries.
Source note: AFP news report published on 30 August 2026 at 23:21:53 UTC.
Update
The National Park Service said 62 people had been evacuated as of Sunday morning and others were scheduled to be evacuated.
No injuries had been reported so far.
The flash flood began about 2:30 pm on Saturday.
The park service warned that more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were possible through Monday, with risks including additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and changing trail and river conditions.
The park service asked the public for information about missing people and hikers who had been in the area.
Source note: AFP news report published on 30 August 2026 at 22:04:44 UTC.
Update
The flooding hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, August 29.
The National Park Service said it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate people and account for individuals in the affected area.
Source note: AFP news report published on 30 August 2026 at 21:43:40 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The latest update says one person is unaccounted for that officials know of, leaving open the possibility that the count could change.
Source
AFP news report published on .