Italian news outlets are reporting that a sudden flash flood struck the Grand Canyon, leaving at least one person dead and 15 hikers unaccounted for. The reports, which cite local authorities, indicate that dozens of other visitors were evacuated from the area following the incident on Monday.
According to la Repubblica, the flooding swept through a popular hiking corridor, catching many visitors off guard. Corriere della Sera adds that at least 62 people were evacuated from the affected zone, with emergency crews deploying helicopters to rescue tourists who were trapped by the rising water. RaiNews reports that the number of missing may be higher, with some sources suggesting at least 20 people are unaccounted for.
The discrepancy in the number of missing persons reflects the chaotic nature of the rescue effort, as officials work to cross-check the names of those who have been safely brought out of the canyon against reports from worried family members. The flash flood was triggered by a sudden, intense downpour that funneled water into the narrow, steep-walled sections of the canyon, a known hazard in the region.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams scouring the trails and waterways for the missing hikers. The priority for emergency services is to locate the 15 to 20 individuals still unaccounted for and reunite them with their families. As the search continues, officials are likely to provide updated figures on the number of missing and confirm the identity of the deceased.
