At least 20 hikers missing as terrifying flash floods swamp the Grand Canyon with huge evacuations effort underway

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Credit: Alamy AT LEAST 20 hikers are missing after terrifying flash floods swamped the Grand Canyon with huge evacuation efforts underway. The flooding struck on Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm and swept large boulders, metal structures, and other debris into the Colarado River. At least 20 hikers are missing after terrifying flash floods swamped the Grand Canyon Credit: Getty Hige floods ripped through the Grand Canyon – forcing dozens to flee Credit: Alamy Torrents of water wiped out footbridges over the creek as mudslides obliterated the creek and creating what appeared to be a new river rapid. Multiple ranches and campgrounds along the creek are no longer accessible as bridges were swept away or destroyed in the powerful tides. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The missing hikers were reportedly trekking near a remote the remote Phantom Ranch which can only be accessed by foot, mule or raft. Half an inch of rain fell in just 30 minutes as the northern side of the Grand Canyon swiftly flooded under the deluge. A desperate rescue mission was launched to track down 20 people who are currently unaccounted for. More than 60 people were also forced to flee several hiking spots nearby. Evacuations of Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab trail are still ongoing, park officials said. Witness Erica Viola, who was staying at at Bright Angel camp on the Grand Canyon, she and about 50 other hikers watched in horror as the creek rose and began to wash debris past them. Most read in The Sun She spotted an entire bunkhouse rushing past in the fast-flowing tides. The entire group was airlifted out of the danger zone by helicopter, Erica added. Footbridges have been destroyed along the Bright Angel Creek, with park administrators warning that the floods had “eliminated hiker access” over the waterbed. They also asked anyone with details about people hiking or camping in the area to get in touch. It said it was working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to continue evacuations Sunday. Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, said it was a reminder of what a dynamic and active landscape the Grand Canyon is. More rain and thunderstorm are forecast for Monday. Breaking news… More to follow…