Approximately 15 hikers unaccounted for after flash flooding in Grand Canyon

About 15 people are thought to be missing or unaccounted for after flash flooding swept through parts of the Grand Canyon on Saturday. The flooding occurred at around 14:30 local time in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area, according to the National Park Service (NPS). Sixty-two people have been airlifted out of the area, with more expected to follow. No injuries have been reported. Nikki Baggs, 41, who was among those airlifted, described the situation as terrifying. She and her friends had just dropped off their belongings at a cabin in Phantom Ranch when they decided to venture out. Baggs stated, "It was a beautiful day and then people were screaming, running." After the rain began, they sought higher ground, where they waited for hours before being evacuated at around 21:30 local time. Baggs expressed gratitude for the swift response from park rangers. The NPS initially reported looking for information about more than 20 people but later revised that number to approximately 15. The flooding has caused significant damage in some areas, leading to trail closures. The NPS has requested anyone with information about hikers in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday to reach out. Additionally, the NPS warned of more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast for Sunday and Monday, which could lead to further flash flooding and changing conditions. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the US, attracting about five million visitors annually, with the Bright Angel trail being its most popular hike.