More than 20 hikers and backpackers who were making their way through Arizona’s Grand Canyon have been declared missing after flash floods.
Parts of the scenic canyon were hit by significant flash flooding on Saturday around 2:30pm, and authorities are searching for at least 20 unaccounted people.
The missing hikers are believed to have been treking on routes near the Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of the national park.
Authorities also are asking for the public to help identify people who were traveling near the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch.
This includes anyone that was staying at Bright Angel Campground, or traveling or staying in the area known as ‘the Box’ north of Phantom Ranch.
Over 62 people were evacuated from the spot yesterday amid the flooding.
All footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed in the freak weather event, meaning that pedestrians cannot get across the creek, which has flooded.
The National Park Service said in a statement: ‘Grand Canyon National Park staff, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are continuing evacuation and response efforts and working to account for individuals who may have been in the affected area.’
The National Park Service said on Sunday that it is seeking information about more than 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area
Over 62 people were evacuated from the spot yesterday amid the flooding – but there are at least 20 people unaccounted for
Pictured: Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
Horrific videos from the scene in the Grand Canyon showed mudslides tearing through the landscape, as hikers filmed from a suspended bridge above.
Large mounds of debris were seen floating on the brown water.
The Black and Silver bridges, and traffic to the Colorado River in the area, are now closed ‘until further notice,’ due to debris in the waterauthorities said.
‘There is currently no estimated reopening date for these areas and other inner canyon closures may be necessary,’ a press release said.
Phantom Ranch is a popular lodge among visitors and hikers. It is located near the Grand Canyon by Bright Angel Creek.
This is a breaking news story.
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