A flash flood has struck the Grand Canyon area in the southwestern US state of Arizona, leaving at least 15 people missing, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
The missing people were reported between Saturday night and Sunday morning as heavy rainfall and runoff caused water levels in the Colorado River to rise rapidly.
NPS officials told AFP that the river began rising on Saturday due to intense rain and flooding in surrounding mountainous areas. By evening, the Colorado River had overflowed its banks and surged into parts of the national park.
The powerful floodwaters destroyed several bridges built over the Colorado River and its tributary channels, while significantly altering the landscape in parts of the area.
Authorities said they have rescued 62 people since the flooding began. None of those rescued was injured, according to the NPS.
“Search efforts for the missing people are already underway,” the NPS said in a statement, urging members of the public to provide any information that could help locate those reported missing.
The NPS is coordinating the search and rescue operation with Arizona’s Department of Public Safety.
The Grand Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River and erosion, stretches for about 446 kilometres, is up to 29 kilometres wide and has an average depth of around 1.8 kilometres. The world-famous natural landmark attracts millions of visitors each year because of its spectacular scenery, colourful rock layers and geological diversity.
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