Dozens evacuated from Grand Canyon after flash flood hits creek leading to the Colorado River

Dozens of people were evacuated Saturday after a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon. A major flash flood at the Grand Canyon forced the evacuation of dozens of people and swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River that runs through it, the National Park Service said. No injuries were reported but the park service says it's seeking information about 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for.

More than 20 people may be missing after a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon, the US National Park Service said on Sunday. The flood forced the evacuation of dozens of people and swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River that runs through it, the park service said. The flooding in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the river, happened on Saturday afternoon.

Torrents of water wiped out footbridges over the creek and significantly altered the landscape,... A Grand Canyon flash flood forced dozens to evacuate as officials sought information on more than 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for (AP) — A major flash flood at the Grand Canyon forced the evacuation of dozens of people and swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River that runs through it, the National Park Service said.The flooding in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the river, happened Saturday afternoon.

It said it was working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to continue evacuations Sunday.“This is a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape Grand Canyon is,” said Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University.Popular tourist spots including the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab trail remained closed on Sunday while park officials surveyed the damage, the park said. Rafting trips on the Colorado River also have been halted for now.More than 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, which has a historic canteen and dorms, and is a common spot for rafters to get off and on the river. More evacuations were planned Sunday, the park said.

No injuries have been reported.Erica Viola said she was at Bright Angel Campground when the rain started Saturday afternoon, and she and about 50 other hikers watched the creek rise and then debris start to flow by, including what looked like a bunkhouse. The group was taken by helicopter to safety, ending her adventure two days early, she said.About half an inch to 1 inch (1 centimeter to 2.5 centimeters) of rain fell within about 30 minutes in the rocky area where there’s a steep drop in elevation, said National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow in Flagstaff.“Most of it ran off instantly," Johndrow said.He said the flooding happened on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek comes from the North Rim down to the Colorado River, dropping around 6,000 feet (1,828 meters).More rain and thunderstorms were possible for the area into Monday.___Stengle reported from Dallas.