Four Lives Lost in Arizona Flooding; Search and Rescue Intensifies

Heavy rainfall in Arizona has resulted in the deaths of four individuals and prompted extensive search and rescue operations in affected areas. The flooding, particularly severe in the rural community of Globe, has left residents scrambling to safety as water levels rose rapidly, forcing some to seek refuge on rooftops.

Emergency Manager Carl Melford of Gila County reported that three of the fatalities occurred in Globe, a city of approximately 7,250 people located about 142 kilometers east of Phoenix. Two victims were discovered inside a vehicle, while a third was found in the floodwaters. Their identities have not yet been released by authorities.

In a separate incident, another victim was located on Saturday morning near a vehicle that had become trapped in floodwaters in suburban Phoenix. The vehicle was partially submerged in about 2.4 meters of fast-moving water in a greenbelt park area when it was spotted by the Scottsdale Fire Department on Friday evening. Following a decrease in water levels overnight, crews retrieved the body, which was pinned beneath a walkway bridge.

Community Impact and Emergency Response

Globe, one of Arizona’s oldest mining towns, is now the focus of significant search and rescue efforts as officials investigate reports of additional missing persons. Melford confirmed that the situation is critical, stating, “We now have a massive search and rescue underway.” The downtown area experienced extensive flooding, with one of the first sites affected being a propane tank distributor. Approximately 1,000 residential-sized propane tanks were dispersed across the community, leading to hazardous conditions. Fortunately, Melford indicated that there were no explosions or ignitions reported.

The recent rainfall has surpassed previous flooding events, including one in 2021 that followed a wildfire. “This was an extremely heavy amount of rain in an extremely short period of time,” Melford remarked, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Authorities have urged residents to refrain from searching the floodwaters themselves, as volunteer efforts could hinder the work of trained search and rescue teams. Melford emphasized that if individuals wish to assist, they should focus on helping neighbors and friends in need.

Globe City Council members have declared a state of emergency, reflecting the unprecedented nature of the flooding. Mayor Al Gamero noted the community’s resilience, stating that many buildings in the downtown area have sustained damage. He also highlighted the proactive response of local volunteers, who have rallied to assist those affected.

While search and rescue remains the top priority, officials are requesting that residents avoid the downtown area until it is safe to return. “Our primary, again, is search and rescue,” Gamero reiterated, underscoring the urgency of the ongoing efforts.

As recovery operations continue, the community of Globe faces a challenging road ahead, grappling with both the immediate impact of the flooding and the long-term implications for its residents and infrastructure.