Flash floods wreaked havoc in Arizona as at least four people have been reported dead, and multiple individuals are still missing in the aftermath of the disaster. The deluge of heavy rainfall that struck the region on Friday, September 26, has left devastating effects that continue to unfold through ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
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The city of Globe was profoundly impacted, with three individuals losing their lives due to the destructive floods. Mayor Al Gameros expressed the community’s shock and devastation, describing the event as “unthinkable” in a heartfelt Facebook post calling for extensive search and rescue operations to be conducted promptly. Tragically, a fourth victim was found deceased 90 miles away in Scottsdale on the following morning, authorities confirmed.
The Gila County Emergency Services and the Scottsdale Fire Department reported that the body of the fourth victim was discovered pinned under a walkway bridge, not far from where a partially submerged vehicle had been sighted during the height of the floods. These distressing events prompted Governor Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency for Gila County, enabling the allocation of $200,000 in state resources to support the affected areas with search and rescue and recovery efforts.
In response to the devastation, Governor Hobbs expressed her condolences and solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones, emphasizing the state’s commitment to providing all necessary assistance to the affected communities throughout Gila County. The Gila County Public Health & Community Services issued urgent warnings for residents to steer clear of flood-affected areas and adhere to evacuation instructions to ensure their safety.
The floods caused by heavy rains have triggered significant flooding in several areas, including Globe, Miami, Claypool, and San Carlos, leading to the overwhelming of waterways and posing hazardous conditions. Reports indicate that nearly 1,000 propane tanks were swept away from a distribution facility, contributing to the dangerous conditions in the aftermath of the natural disaster. Portions of U.S. 60 have been closed due to debris and flood damage, further complicating the recovery efforts.
Amidst the devastation, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning that remains in effect, underscoring the continued threat posed by the lingering consequences of the floods. Search operations for the missing individuals are ongoing, with authorities mobilizing resources to assess the damage to bridges in the affected areas. The opening of Red Cross shelters in response to the crisis aims to provide immediate assistance and support to those affected by the catastrophic floods.
The scenes of destruction captured in footage from the floods depict the extent of the damage, with waterlogged roads and submerged vehicles illustrating the impact of the natural disaster on the local communities. As the recovery efforts intensify and the search for missing persons persists, the resilience and unity of the people of Arizona shine through in the face of adversity, with officials and organisations working tirelessly to provide aid and relief to those affected by the tragedy.