Federal and state authorities on Monday were still searching for some 15 missing hikers and backpackers after a devastating flash flood pummeled through the lower edge of the Grand Canyon over the weekend, killing at least two people.
\n\nThe National Park Service and local rescue agencies were searching for the visitors after evacuating dozens of visitors by Sunday, including several who were rescued by helicopter from a remote section of the park that is inaccessible by vehicle. The ramped-up search efforts come as authorities braced for another round of potentially ruinous climate conditions, officials said.
\n\nThe body of a 46-year-old man was recovered from Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River, the park service said Sunday evening. Officials have not released his name.
\n\nIt was not immediately clear when the second body was found. That victim’s details were not released.
\n\nAbout 7 million people were under a flood watch Monday, covering a massive swath of the Southwest from southern Arizona to northern Colorado. The area at risk includes the Grand Canyon and stretches west into Utah, according to current weather projections.
\n\nThe most severe threat of flooding was in an area just north of the Grand Canyon.
\n\nPhantom Ranch, a historic…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/