Aug 6, 2022
RawNews1st – Record rainfall Friday triggered flash floods at Death Valley National Park that swept away cars, closed all roads and stranded hundreds of visitors and workers.
There were no immediate reports of injuries but roughly 60 vehicles were buried in mud and debris and about 500 visitors and 500 park workers were stuck inside the park, officials said.
There were flash floods carrying away people in their cars in Death Valley National Park today. 1000 people had to be rescued from the flood waters.
All roads into and out of the park are currently closed and will remain closed until park staff can assess the extensiveness of the situation.
Approximately sixty cars, belonging to visitors and staff, are buried in several feet of debris at the Inn at Death Valley.
The flood waters pushed dumpster containers into parked cars, which caused cars to collide into one another. Additionally, many facilities are flooded including hotel rooms and business offices.
The Cow Creek Water system, which provides water to the Cow Creek area for park residents and offices, has failed. Park staff have identified a major break in the line due to the flooding which is being repaired. The remainder of the line is being inspected.
The park received at least 1.46 inches of rain at Furnace Creek, nearly an entire year’s worth of rain in one morning, as the park’s annual average is 1.9 inches of rainwater.
The park is not expecting further monsoonal rain activity today. However, more rain is expected later in the week and the ground is very saturated.
The park is working closely with its partners at the California Department of Transportation, and state and county emergency services on assessing the situation and damage.
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