BBC Breakfast paused its broadcast minutes into Monday's show (August 31) to deliver a tragic update. Presenters Roger Johnson and Emma Vardy, hosting the Bank Holiday edition, opened with a news bulletin in which Emma revealed that at least one person had died and 15 were missing following a fatal flash flood in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, US.
Floodwaters Sweep Through Bright Angel Canyon
Emma told viewers: "Waters began to rise in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, sweeping away boulders and foot bridges. The National Park Service began airlifting campers and hikers to safety on Sunday morning."
The National Park Service confirmed that the body of a 46-year-old man had been recovered on Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River in northern Arizona. The man's identity has not yet been released to the public.
Airlifts and Eyewitness Accounts
62 people have been airlifted out of the area. Nicki Baggs, 41, who was airlifted out of the bottom of the Grand Canyon with two other friends, told the BBC: "The whole thing was terrifying. It was a beautiful day and then people were screaming, running."
US National Weather Service meteorologist Darren McCollum said that rain just a few hours earlier meant that "when the main storm moved in, torrential rain fell on everything that was already soaked, and that caused all the problems that we're seeing".
Ongoing Flood Watch and Warnings
A flash flood watch remains in effect in the Grand Canyon area through Monday evening, with more showers and thunderstorms in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service. The agency warned: "Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded."
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Grand Canyon National Park said: "The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office is currently onsite. There is no additional information to share at this time."
