One person died and about 15 people are missing or unaccounted for after a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon forced evacuations, pushed large boulders into the Colorado River and knocked out the sole water pipeline that serves tourists and residents, the US National Park Service said on Sunday.The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered on Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, the park service said without providing additional details. Officials from an Arizona coroner’s office were on scene.The flooding on Saturday in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the river, led to more than 60 people being airlifted from the depths of the canyon. The park service asked anyone with details about hikers or campers still unaccounted for to get in touch. The Arizona Department of Public Safety was helping with additional evacuations on Sunday.
A storm system moves across the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday.
The limited potable water supply because of the damaged pipeline means that starting yesterday, tourists would not be able to stay overnight at lodges and hotels within the park. Year-round residents are being asked to conserve water.“These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources,” the park said in a statement.
