A major flash flood at the Grand Canyon forced the evacuation of dozens of people and swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River that runs through it, the National Park Service said. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
About 50 hikers were safely airlifted out of the area, according to local media reports, and a number of trails were closed as a safety precaution.
Flooding also knocked out the sole water pipeline that serves tourists and residents at the national park, officials said late Sunday.
Starting Monday, tourists won't be able to stay overnight at lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon.
A photo provided by the National Park Service shows remnants of stone bridge pylons along Bright Angel Creek in the Grand Canyon following a flash flood that destroyed the footbridge. Another photo shows Bright Angel Creek near the Phantom Ranger Station in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, after flash flooding from storms. Additional photos show Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona after it was hit by heavy flooding a day earlier.
No injuries have been reported so far. Rescue operations are ongoing.