Recently, flash floods near the Grand Canyon trapped over 100 people, prompting a significant rescue operation. The Arizona National Guard used Blackhawk helicopters to evacuate 104 individuals, including tourists and tribal members, from the Havasupai Tribe’s lands. Meanwhile, search efforts continue for Chenoa Nickerson, a 33-year-old woman who was swept away in the floodwaters. The flooding, which affected areas like Havasu Creek and Beaver Falls, has made the search challenging due to the rugged terrain and dangerous conditions The Independent
More than 100 people have been rescued by helicopter after being trapped by flash floods near the Grand Canyon, but one hiker remains missing. The search continues for Chenoa Nickerson, 33, who is believed to have been swept away by floodwaters during monsoons in the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona.
#BREAKING: New video from the AZ National Guard as they help airlift more than 100 people out of the town of Supai in the Grand Canyon. This following a dangerous flash flood that stranded hundreds. One person is still missing. More on @abc15 at 10p pic.twitter.com/kuWYzH6gSu
— Lillian Donahue (@LillianDonahue) August 25, 2024
Nickerson was hiking about half a mile from the Colorado River when the flooding occurred on Thursday morning, trapping her in one of the most remote areas in the United States, according to KNXV, an ABC affiliate. The National Guard successfully evacuated 104 other tourists and tribal members from the Grand Canyon area, but efforts to locate Nickerson are still ongoing.
Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her concern for those affected by the flooding, including both Tribal members and visitors. “My heart is with all of the people impacted by the flooding in Havasupai. I am closely monitoring the situation, and we have deployed the Arizona National Guard to get people to safety,” Hobbs said following the evacuation.
Hobbs emphasized that the safety of Arizonans and all visitors is her top priority and stated that the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs is working in coordination with tribal, state, county, and federal agencies to assist with evacuation efforts and the search for Nickerson.
The Havasupai Indian Reservation is known for its remote and rugged terrain and is only accessible by mule, helicopter, or foot, as reported by The Associated Press. The challenging conditions have complicated the rescue efforts, but search teams remain dedicated to finding the missing hiker.
BREAKING: Catastrophic flooding has cut off all access to Supai and Havasupai Falls. The tribal council has decided to close their lands. Gov. Hobbs has activated the national guard to assist. Hundreds of hikers are still stranded. Watch at 5 for the latest.@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/2LJ3Zhi9aJ
— Trenton Hooker (@trentonhooker) August 24, 2024
Nickerson’s sister, Tamara Morales, praised the rescue crews for their efforts despite the difficult conditions. “We are profoundly grateful for you and fully acknowledge that you are currently defying the impossible,” she posted on Facebook. Morales also shared updates on her sister’s situation, noting that Nickerson and her husband, Andrew, were both caught in the flash flood, but Andrew was rescued and is now safe with a rafting crew.
Morales has been actively seeking information about her sister by posting in various Havasupai-related Facebook groups, hoping that someone might have news. Her heartfelt posts have received over 1,000 reactions and hundreds of comments from people expressing hope for Nickerson’s safe return.
Meanwhile, the monsoon season, which brings a high risk of flash floods, is a known danger in the area. The Havasupai Tribe’s website warns visitors of the potential for excessive flooding from June through August. “Although floods can occur anytime of the year, the monsoon season occurs from late June well into August. During this time there is a high risk of flash floods,” the website advises.
The tribe announced on Facebook that the trail into Supai Village would be closed until Sunday afternoon to ensure the safety of both tourists and Tribal members during the evacuation process. “The Council is actively engaged in safely evacuating those tourists that were in Supai at the time of the flooding,” the post stated. “We kindly ask for your patience as we see to the health and safety of the tourists and the Tribal members.”
WATCH: Incredible video sent to me by a hiker airlifted from Havasupai Falls along with her family. Catastrophic flooding has trapped approximately 200 hikers in northern Arizona. Watch her story tonight at 9 and 10.@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/n9HRKL8F8m
— Trenton Hooker (@trentonhooker) August 25, 2024
As rescue operations continue, the community remains hopeful for Nickerson’s safe return and the well-being of all those impacted by the flooding.
Major Points:
- Over 100 people were rescued by helicopter after flash floods trapped them near the Grand Canyon, but one hiker, Chenoa Nickerson, remains missing.
- Nickerson, 33, was last seen hiking near the Colorado River in the remote Havasupai Indian Reservation when the floods hit, and search efforts are still underway.
- Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs deployed the National Guard and coordinated with various agencies to ensure the safety of affected residents and tourists.
- Nickerson’s sister, Tamara Morales, has been actively seeking information on social media and praised the rescue crews for their efforts in the challenging terrain.
- The Havasupai Tribe warned visitors of the risks of flash floods during the monsoon season, which spans from June to August, and closed the trail into Supai Village temporarily for safety.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News