Search and rescue efforts are underway at Grand Canyon National Park to locate an Arizona woman who was swept into a creek during a flash flood. The incident occurred near Havasu Creek, close to its confluence with the Colorado River. The 33-year-old hiker, Chenoa Nickerson from Gilbert, Arizona, was caught in the flash flood on Thursday afternoon while hiking in the area.
Following the flood, several hikers found themselves stranded above and below Beaver Falls, a popular tourist attraction known for its blue-green waterfalls. The region, located within the Havasupai Tribe's reservation, is susceptible to flooding that alters the waterfalls' appearance to a chocolate brown hue.
While some hikers managed to reach the village of Supai, approximately 2 miles from the campground, others awaited helicopter assistance. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has mobilized the Arizona National Guard, including Blackhawk helicopters, to aid in the evacuation of hikers from the village.
The missing hiker's sister, Tamara Morales, expressed gratitude towards the National Park Service and the rescue teams for their diligent efforts in challenging terrain with limited communication resources. She acknowledged the risks involved and commended the exhaustive search operations being conducted.
The Havasupai Tribe's reservation, recognized as one of the most remote areas in the continental U.S., is accessible solely by foot, mule, or helicopter. In response to the flooding, the Tribal Council has closed the trail leading to the reservation and advised visitors with permits not to venture into the area until Sunday.
Amidst the ongoing search, Morales shared a photo of her sister at the base of the desert river canyon, attired in sportswear similar to what she was wearing when she went missing, with a possible fitness device on her wrist. The community continues to hope for a successful outcome as search and rescue operations persist in the challenging terrain of the Grand Canyon National Park.
