One person has lost his life and around 15 people missing after a major flash flood at the Grand Canyon National Park in the US, which swept large boulders, metal structures and debris into the Colorado River.

The flooding in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the river, happened on Saturday afternoon. A 46-year-old man was found dead near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, CNN cited park officials as saying.

More than 60 people have been evacuated even as the park service sought information of 15 people who may be missing or unaccounted for, Associated Press reported.

The park also announced that tourists won’t be able to stay overnight at lodges and hotels within Grand Canyon National Park.
Officials said the flood has knocked out the sole water pipeline serving tourists and residents at the national park.

Videos that surfaced on social media showed torrents of water wiping out footbridges over the creek and carrying away whatever came on its way. The water flow has significantly altered the landscape, widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new river rapid.

Grand Canyon is one of the most famous and most-visited attractions in the US. It attracts hikers and tourists from around the US and abroad. However, popular tourist spots including the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab trail remained closed to visitors on Sunday.