Arizona Woman Missing After Flash Flood in Havasupai

Nearly two days have passed since Chenoa Nickerson was swept into Havasu Creek during a flash flood. Rescue operations have been undertaken by the National Park Service and Arizona National Guard. The Havasupai Tribe's reservation remains closed to visitors due to the flooding, with helicopter evacuations underway.

Nearly two days have passed since Chenoa Nickerson was swept into Havasu Creek during a flash flood, her sister reported on social media Saturday.

While hiking about 800 meters from the Colorado River, Nickerson was caught by the sudden surge on Thursday afternoon.

The National Park Service confirmed that Nickerson, 33, spent Thursday night at a campground near Supai village in a Grand Canyon gorge.

The flash flood confined several hikers above and below Beaver Falls, part of the Havasupai Tribe's tourist-attracting waterfalls.

Other hikers managed to reach Supai village, awaiting helicopter evacuation. Arizona's Governor Katie Hobbs ordered the National Guard to assist in evacuations.

Tamara Morales, Nickerson's sister, praised the National Guard and rescue crews for their efforts via Facebook.

Access to the Havasupai reservation is highly limited, only reachable by foot, mule, or helicopter. The Tribal Council asked visitors with weekend permits to stay away, citing safety risks.

Rochelle Tilousi, a local tribal member, confirmed helicopter evacuations began following bridge washouts and additional searches were ongoing.

Photos and waves of gratitude were shared on social media, detailing the heroic efforts in extremely challenging conditions.

Boats were deployed on the Colorado River, and both ground and aerial teams were mobilized for the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

The Havasupai Tribe suspended further reservations until conditions improved.

The tourism office urged for patience regarding the health and safety of both tourists and Tribal members.

(With inputs from agencies.)