Canyon Flooding

The Grand Canyon is under emergency water restrictions after fatal flash flooding.

Waves of torrential rain sent a “wall of water” rushing through the narrow corridors of the canyon’s Bright Angel Creek area Saturday, killing two friends (46 and 42) from Texas. A third friend (53) is still missing, and ~80 people have been rescued.

Scientists say last year’s Dragon Bravo fire burned ~150,000 acres of flood-slowing vegetation, leaving the park’s North Rim more vulnerable to monsoon-season flooding. The rains damaged ~40% of the park’s only water pipeline, closing lodging and forcing the park onto limited reserves.

Across the world, the Nepal-Tibet flood’s death toll passed 1,000 (see how a glacier caused it). More than 4,400 people remain on the reported-missing list, and 900 children are safe after their headteacher evacuated his students to higher ground moments before water arrived. 

PRAY WITH US
King of Creation, we grieve the ongoing deadly effects of wild elements. We ask that You bring order to wreckage and shine Your light in the darkness.

Draw near to those affected by these floods. For the families who have lost their beloved ones, accompany them in their grief. For the lost, search relentlessly and bring them home. For the rescuers, grant them courage and strength. For the fearful survivors, fill them with Your peace. For those who will rebuild, give fortitude, endurance, and hope. And for the land, tend to it, heal it, and restore its beauty. Amen.