Over 100 people were forced to evacuate the Havasupai Indian Reservation near Grand Canyon National Park after flash flooding wreaked havoc in the area. The National Park Service reported that a hiker remains missing after the incident.

Situated on the border of the iconic Grand Canyon National Park, the Havasupai Indian Reservation is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and attracts thousands of tourists annually. However, on Thursday, the reservation was inundated with flash floods, prompting a series of rescues and evacuations over the past few days.

In response to the severe flooding, Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona deployed the State National Guard on Friday to support the tribal, county, state, and federal agencies involved in the rescue efforts. Given the remote location of the reservation, accessible only on foot, by mule, or helicopter, and under the administration of the Havasupai Tribe, the situation called for swift action.

Local news outlet, The Arizona Republic, reported that approximately 104 tourists and tribal members have been successfully evacuated since Thursday. The National Guard played a crucial role in aiding individuals stranded in high-altitude areas near Havasupai Falls, while also providing essential supplies such as food and water. However, neither the National Guard nor the governor's office could be reached for comment on Sunday.

Sadly, as of Sunday morning, one hiker, identified as Chenoa Nickerson, remained missing. The 33-year-old from Gilbert, Arizona, was last seen during the flash flooding incident on Thursday when she was swept into Havasu Creek, roughly half a mile from the confluence of the Colorado River, according to the National Park Service. It is believed that Ms. Nickerson may have fallen into the Colorado River without a life jacket.

On Sunday, Ms. Nickerson's sister, Tamara Morales, took to Facebook to express her family's concern and gratitude for those involved in the ongoing search efforts. She requested continued prayers and support while holding onto hope for her sister's safe return. Ms. Nickerson had been hiking with her husband, who was successfully rescued.

Multiple ground and aerial searches have been conducted in an attempt to locate Ms. Nickerson, with a rescue vessel actively scouring the Colorado River as well. The flash flood at Havasu Creek occurred around 1:30 p.m., leaving several hikers stranded in its wake. Helicopters were deployed to assist those below and above Beaver Falls, located within the remote Havasupai Reservation, a popular hiking destination renowned for its picturesque turquoise waters nestled amidst arid canyons.

The monsoon season, which spans from late June to August, poses a high risk of flash flooding in the area. Certain sections of Havasu canyon are already off-limits to visitors due to ongoing repairs from previous flood damage, dating back to 2018, 2019, and 2022.

In response to the recent catastrophe, the Havasupai Tribal Council announced on Saturday that the area would be indefinitely closed to tourists. Officials are scheduled to arrive in Supai in the coming days to assess the damage, initiate cleanup operations, and commence reparations.

As the search for Chenoa Nickerson continues, the community remains resilient, united in their efforts, and hopeful for a positive outcome amidst this devastating natural disaster.