Rep. David Schweikert describes surviving deadly Grand Canyon flash flood
Rep. David Schweikert survived a dangerous flash flood while rafting in the Grand Canyon, which resulted in two deaths and one missing person. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of monsoon season weather in the region.
Why it matters
The event underscores the risks associated with extreme weather in national parks and the potential for infrastructure damage in remote areas.
Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., said he heard what sounded like “a freight train smashing into a boulder” as a Grand Canyon flash flood consumed the landscape near his rafting group Saturday. Schweikert told NBC News from his office in Washington on Tuesday that the loud crash was followed by a powerful stream of mud and debris-filled water. Two visitors died and another is still missing after flash flooding from a sudden deluge of rain briefly transformed Bright Angel Creek into a full-fledged river. About 80 people were evacuated from campsites around the historic Phantom Ranch area of the park. The retiring member of Congress and the rest of his group were about 100 yards away from the danger zone without cellphone service. His guide led the group to an area off the Colorado River near Bright Angel Creek.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in