American hiker vanishes on tropical trek as flash floods, mudslides turn jungle getaway into desperate search

A California tourist has vanished in Costa Rica after severe flash flooding and mudslides struck the region during her hike, sparking a desperate search that has now been stalled by torrential rains.

Ashley Phillips, 30, has been missing since June 2. Now, 13 days into her disappearance, her family says they are living through their "worst nightmare" as hazardous conditions force search-and-rescue teams to stand down.

Costa Rican authorities have issued a nationwide green alert, warning...