Grand Canyon flash flood kills at least two, leaves hikers missing

A major flash flood that swept through the Grand Canyon over the weekend has resulted in at least two confirmed deaths, including a Texas chiropractor, and has left more than a dozen hikers unaccounted for. The deluge, which struck the Bright Angel Creek area on Saturday, has severely disrupted operations at one of the United States' most visited national parks.

The force of the water caused significant damage to the only water pipeline supplying the canyon, prompting park officials to bar tourists from staying in lodges and hotels within the park. Emergency water restrictions have been implemented for year-round residents as crews assess the extent of the infrastructure damage.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the missing hikers, who were caught in the sudden waves of rain that funneled through the narrow canyon walls. Among those missing are two individuals who were reportedly on a trip with their chiropractor friend, whose body has since been recovered.

The national park, which typically welcomes around 4.4 million visitors annually, is now grappling with the aftermath of the flooding. Forecasters have warned that additional heavy rain could bring further flooding to the region, complicating recovery and search efforts. The incident highlights the sudden and dangerous nature of flash floods in desert canyon environments.