News Summary
Arizona is grappling with severe flooding that has resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals and significant destruction in Globe. The town, located east of Phoenix, faced unprecedented flooding triggered by heavy rainfall, resulting in high water levels and evacuation of residents. Local authorities have set up a Disaster Assistance Center to support those affected while search and rescue operations have concluded without finding additional missing persons. Concerns continue over hazardous conditions in the community, including leaking propane tanks and debris.
Arizona is facing a crisis following severe flooding that has claimed the lives of at least three individuals and caused extensive damage in the city of Globe. Around 7,250 residents reside in Globe, which is situated approximately 88 miles east of Phoenix. The Mayor of Globe, Al Gameros, has confirmed that two of the fatalities were local residents, while another victim was found dead near a vehicle submerged in floodwaters in suburban Phoenix.
The vehicle was located partially submerged in about 8 feet of water on Friday evening, where emergency crews later discovered an individual pinned under a walkway bridge as the water receded. Search and rescue operations were expanded in Globe as deputies investigated multiple reports of additional missing persons.
The flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall that led Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to experience the highest one-day rainfall in close to seven years. This deluge prompted the evacuation of several residential areas and led to a declaration of a state of emergency by local authorities. As the community copes with the aftermath of flooding, around 1,000 residential-sized propane tanks were scattered throughout downtown Globe following an incident at a propane distribution facility. Fortunately, none of the tanks ignited or exploded, allowing Hazmat teams to manage the potentially hazardous situation.
Community Response and Recovery Efforts
Officials have advised residents to steer clear of floodwaters, guiding them to avoid interfering with the ongoing professional search and rescue activities, which include trained dogs. Members of the Globe city council noted that the scale of this flooding event is unprecedented for the town. Numerous community buildings within the downtown area have sustained significant damage.
In response to the flooding, recovery operations have involved clearing debris in the Globe-Miami area. Teams are employing heavy equipment to remove downed trees and other obstructions from thoroughfares. To provide assistance to affected residents, a Community Meeting was held, drawing over 100 attendees who received information about available help.
A Disaster Assistance Center has been set up at the Gila County Fairgrounds, offering crucial resources such as debris removal services and crisis counseling for those impacted by the flooding. As of the latest updates, search and rescue teams have concluded their operations, reporting that no additional missing persons have been identified.
Residents have been warned about the potential hazards in the affected areas, including leaking propane tanks and hazardous chemicals mixed with debris from the flooding. Continued heavy rains are forecasted for the region, prompting local officials to issue caution to residents and encourage them to shelter in place.
Health and Safety Measures
In light of the flooding, various health and safety measures are being enacted, including air quality monitoring to assess risks stemming from the catastrophe. The community of Globe is actively working to recover from this disaster, as local authorities and volunteers unite to restore safety and normalcy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KVOA News
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- AZ Family
- USA Today
- CNN
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Google Search: Globe Arizona flood
- Google Scholar: Globe Arizona flood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Globe Arizona flood
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
