Devastating floods in Arizona have resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, as heavy rainfall inundated the area, prompting emergency responses and declarations of a state of emergency. The flooding has left some residents scrambling to rooftops in search of safety.
Incident Details
In Globe, a city with a population of approximately 7,250 located 88 miles east of Phoenix, three individuals lost their lives due to the flooding. According to Carl Melford, the Gila County emergency manager, two victims were discovered inside a vehicle, while another was found in the floodwaters. Authorities have yet to release the identities of these victims.
Another tragic incident occurred near Phoenix, where a body was discovered in the aftermath of a vehicle being caught in floodwaters on Friday night. The Scottsdale Fire Department reported spotting the vehicle partially submerged in about 8 feet of fast-moving water in a greenbelt park area. Following a drop in water levels, rescue crews located a body beneath a walkway bridge on Saturday morning.
Emergency Response and State of Emergency
Amidst the chaos, the rural town of Globe, one of Arizona’s oldest mining communities, reported potential missing persons as authorities continue their search efforts. Melford mentioned, “We now have a massive search and rescue underway.”
In response to the crisis, Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency in Gila County. She expressed her condolences, stating, “I’m heartbroken by the devastation in Gila County, my thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and the residents whose lives have been impacted.” The governor assured residents that the state would provide all necessary resources to aid in recovery efforts. Governor Hobbs made the announcement on Twitter.
Flooding Consequences and Community Impact
The floodwaters rushed into downtown Globe, with one of the initial areas affected being a propane tank distributor. This resulted in approximately 1,000 residential-sized tanks being scattered throughout the community. Melford reassured that, “Luckily none of them ignited or exploded,” as hazmat teams were dispatched to the scene.
The community has faced flooding before, notably in 2021 following a wildfire, but Melford noted the intensity of this recent event, describing it as “an extremely heavy amount of rain in an extremely short period of time.”
Community Efforts and Safety Precautions
Authorities have urged residents to refrain from venturing into the floodwaters to avoid interfering with search and rescue operations. Instead, community members are encouraged to assist neighbors in need. Globe City Council declared an emergency, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the flooding. Mayor Al Gamero acknowledged the outpouring of volunteer support but stressed the need to prioritize safety and search and rescue operations.
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