**Two Dead, Over Twenty Missing After Flash Flooding in Grand Canyon National Park**
Grand Canyon National Park has been struck by devastating flash flooding over the weekend, resulting in the recovery of one body and ongoing operations to locate a second victim. The National Park Service (NPS) reported that heavy rainfall on Saturday led to surging waters that wreaked havoc throughout the canyon, destroying trails, footbridges, and critical infrastructure used for water supply within the park.
The flooding prompted immediate evacuation efforts, with 62 hikers airlifted by helicopter by Sunday morning. The NPS confirmed that the body of a 46-year-old man was found on Sunday, while recovery operations for a second body were underway as of Monday. The agency indicated that more than 20 individuals are currently missing or unaccounted for, prompting a public appeal for information regarding any hikers who may have been caught in the floodwaters.
In a post on social media platform X, the NPS detailed the challenges posed by the flooding, which not only affected the safety of visitors but also caused significant damage to the park's infrastructure. As recovery efforts continue, the park remains open during the day for visitors, particularly at the South Rim; however, overnight accommodations and various concessions have been closed. Several hiking areas and lodging facilities impacted by the flooding are also closed to the public.
Park officials have urged visitors to avoid closed areas to ensure the safety of both the public and the ongoing search-and-recovery teams. The situation remains fluid, with additional thunderstorms forecasted for early this week, raising concerns about further complications in recovery efforts.
As the NPS works diligently to account for those missing, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all park visitors and restoring the affected areas. The community and park officials are hopeful for the safe return of those unaccounted for as recovery operations progress.