Further Grand Canyon evacuations pondered

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Officials were considering further evacuations in the Grand Canyon in Arizona following a dam breach, police said Monday.

Gerry Blair, a spokesman for the sheriff's department of Coconino County, Ariz., said an initial evacuation following the breach of the Redland Dam Sunday was halted due to darkness, CNN reported.

Those still facing a possible evacuation were on higher ground and were not in immediate danger from rising water levels, Blair said.

Nearly 170 people were evacuated Sunday as rains helped breach the earthen dam and send torrents of water down two separate canyons. Most of those placed in danger by the Cataract Canyon and Supai Canyon flooding were tourists and campers, Blair said.

The police spokesman told CNN a final decision regarding possible addition evacuations by emergency rescue crews was expected sometime Monday.