BBC Breakfast issued a heartbreaking death announcement just minutes into the show on Monday, August 31. Stand-in hosts Roger Johnson and Emma Vardy welcomed viewers to the Bank Holiday episode before delivering a bulletin of the biggest news stories.
Emma announced that at least one person has died and 15 are missing in a flash flood in the Grand Canyon in Arizona, US. She continued: "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."
Body recovered near Crystal Rapids
The organisation confirmed the body of a 46-year-old man was recovered Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, in northern Arizona. The man's identity has not yet been released.
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."
Weather warnings in effect
US National Weather Service meteorologist Darren McCollum explained 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".
A flash flood watch is 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."
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC1.
