Search Ongoing for Over 20 Individuals Missing After Grand Canyon Flash Flood

<p>More than 20 people may be missing or unaccounted for after a flash flood occurred in a remote area of the Grand Canyon, leading to a public plea from the National Park Service. </p><p>As of Sunday morning, Grand Canyon National Park reported that 62 individuals had been evacuated from Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, which experienced significant flooding on August 29. </p><p>Officials are requesting assistance from the public to account for over 20 individuals who may have been present in the affected area during the flood. </p><p>"Additional evacuations are planned today," the park stated, noting that more thunderstorms and heavy rain are anticipated on Sunday and Monday, increasing the risk of further flash flooding, debris flows, and rockfalls. </p><p>The flooding impacted Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29, according to the National Park Service, which indicated that nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed. </p><p>Park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are continuing their evacuation and response efforts as they work to locate individuals who may have been in the affected corridor. </p><p>Officials are asking anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek on that day to reach out to investigators. </p><p>This request also extends to anyone who had a campground reservation in the affected area. </p><p>The National Park Service is attempting to identify individuals who may have been traveling on the North Kaibab Trail between the North Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or traversing an area known as "the Box" north of Phantom Ranch. </p><p>No details have been released regarding the individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for, including whether they were hikers, campers, or park visitors with reservations in the area. </p><p>Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or nps_isb@nps.gov.</p>