▲ Grand Canyon Swept Away by Floods
Flash floods triggered by torrential downpours of up to 25 millimeters per hour at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S., have left one person dead and about 15 others missing.
In addition, the floods cut off the water supply, making overnight stays within the national park impossible.
According to local media reports from the Associated Press and CBS News on the 30th local time, sudden floods occurred the previous afternoon in the areas of Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Ranch within Grand Canyon National Park.
Park authorities stated that the whereabouts of 15 people remain unknown so far.
Structures such as bridges were destroyed by the floods, and around 60 hikers and campers at the scene were rescued via helicopters and other means.
The body of a 46-year-old man was discovered on the evening of the 30th near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River.
Park authorities explained that due to an issue with the main water pipeline supplying water to Grand Canyon National Park, overnight stays at lodges and hotels within the park will become unavailable starting from the 31st.
Authorities also requested residents within the park area to conserve water.
According to the AP, a project costing 208 million dollars (approx. 286 billion won) to repair this water pipeline and upgrade the water supply system began in 2023 and was underway, with completion expected next year.
The Grand Canyon receives 6 million visitors annually, and about 1,600 residents live in Grand Canyon Village.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service, 0.5 to 1 inch (12.7 to 25.4 mm) of heavy rain fell in just 20 minutes over the steep rock terrain, which, combined with a sweeping rainstorm, caused the floods.
David Gregory, who was hiking at the time, told CNN, "I noticed the creek water turning into muddy water and flowing increasingly violently," adding that he evacuated to a nearby high school by helicopter.
Another camper, Erica Viola, reported that she saw accommodation buildings being washed away as the creek water rose and also evacuated by helicopter.
Due to the swift and powerful currents, nearly all pedestrian bridges between Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, and even the terrain of the Colorado River is known to have changed.
The AP reported that there is a possibility of additional rain continuing through the 31st.
National park officials stated that they plan to continue additional rescue operations and have closed the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and parts of the North Kaibab Trail.
Meanwhile, it is reported that no South Korean casualties have been reported from this Grand Canyon flood.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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