The Havasupai tribe issued a disaster declaration Thursday due to extensive damage from flooding that forced the emergency evacuation of tourists on July 11th. They say rock slides and mud has cut off access to a 10-mile hiking trail that goes through Supai village to the campground. Tribe officials say they spent $25,000 to feed, clothe and evacuate about 200 people. Emergency repairs to the trail, village and campground are expected to top $250,000 — a cost the tribe said it cannot shoulder without outside help. The tribe’s disaster declaration was necessary for the tribe to request financial help from the federal government. The tribe is asking for donations for workers, including cots, shade tents, sand bags, shovels, gloves, rakes and other tools. Supplies are being delivered via helicopter, the only way in and out of the reservation currently. The closure is an economic hit for the tribe that relies on tourism. It plans to reopen the campground and a lodge Sept. 1st.
