Flash flooding in Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park has forced authorities to rescue more than 100 people. The body of a missing hiker was found on the Colorado River on Sunday.
The search and rescue operation for the tourist began Thursday when floodwaters swept the 33-year-old into Havasu Creek in Grand Canyon National Park, park officials said. The woman's body was found Sunday by tour participants.
In a press release Sunday, the park service said the Coconino County medical examiner and park officials will conduct an investigation into the hiker's death.
Flood and evacuation
Flash flooding, which was the result of heavy rainfall, occurred Thursday in Grand Canyon National Park. The dangerous weather forced park officials to close the area to tourists. They also evacuated 104 tourists. The Arizona National Guard and a helicopter were involved in the operation.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also ordered the evacuation of the Havasupai, a Native American tribe living in the park.
“It didn't even occur to us that we were in danger”
Shruti Chopra, 34, of North Carolina, told CNN she knew the rain was forecast, but added she wasn't expecting a flash flood.
“It didn't even occur to us that we were in danger,” she said. She and her husband, along with their family of four, miraculously escaped tragedy. “We crossed rivers, formed human chains and struggled through bushes and cacti,” she said.
Main image source: Reuters