Un membre du Congrès de l'Arizona a entendu le bruit d'un train de marchandises s'écraser pendant une inondation soudaine du Grand Canyon

Arizona Congressman David Schweikert, a Republican from Arizona, described hearing what he called a “freight train crash” during a flash flood in the Grand Canyon on Saturday. The dramatic event occurred near his rafting group in the area of Bright Angel Creek, which quickly turned into a raging river due to a sudden deluge of rain. Two visitors perished, and one person remains missing following the incident. Approximately 80 individuals were evacuated from campsites surrounding the historic Phantom Ranch area within the national park. The congressman, who is set to retire, recounted the experience from his office in Washington on Tuesday. He explained that the loud noise, resembling a massive collision, was followed by a powerful surge of mud and debris-laden water. His group, consisting of himself and other members, was approximately 100 yards away from the danger zone at the time. They had no access to cellphones due to poor signal strength in the region. A guide led them to a safer location off the Colorado River near Bright Angel Creek. Afterward, they walked to higher ground and spent the night camping nearby. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of flash floods in the Grand Canyon, even during monsoon season. Although Arizona typically experiences heavy rainfall during this period, Schweikert noted that the area where he was encountered only received a light drizzle before the flood struck. This highlights how swiftly and unexpectedly such disasters can occur, even in regions accustomed to seasonal storms. Bright Angel Creek, which usually flows gently, became a formidable force overnight. The water supply infrastructure within the park suffered severe damage, and part of a newly constructed $208 million water pipeline project near the ranch was also affected. Schweikert expressed hope that he would play a role in addressing these damages once assessments are completed. However, he emphasized that the immediate concern was the loss of life. In addition to advocating for improved safety measures, Schweikert urged visitors to remain vigilant about weather conditions and exercise extreme caution when hiking in areas prone to sudden changes. He specifically warned against traversing narrow slot canyons during storm activity, as these locations pose a heightened risk of entrapment. “It’s remarkable beauty, but you always take it seriously because the canyon will sneak up on you if you’re not prepared,” he reiterated. As officials continue to evaluate the extent of the damage and work toward recovery efforts, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of environmental hazards. The ongoing investigation into the cause of the deluge and its impact on both human lives and infrastructure will shape future discussions on safety protocols and disaster response in the region.