GLOBE, Ariz. – At least four people have died following devastating floods in Arizona, with heavy rainfall causing widespread damage in Gila County, emergency officials reported Saturday.
Three people died in Globe, a rural mining town about 88 miles east of Phoenix, according to Carl Melford, Gila County’s emergency manager. Two victims were found in a vehicle and one in floodwaters. Another person died near Phoenix in flood-related circumstances.
The National Weather Service reported Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport experienced its highest one-day rainfall in nearly seven years, marking the city’s fourth wettest day since 2000.
A propane tank distributor was among the first areas hit, scattering approximately 1,000 residential-sized tanks throughout downtown Globe. “There’s propane tanks everywhere through downtown Globe,” Melford said. Hazmat workers were dispatched to manage the potential hazard.
Globe Mayor Al Gamero declared a city emergency, noting extensive downtown building damage. “Our primary concern is search and rescue,” Gamero said.
Authorities warned residents against searching floodwaters themselves, urging them to assist neighbors and allow professional rescue teams to conduct searches.
The area previously experienced flooding in 2021 after a wildfire, but Melford emphasized this event was unprecedented. “This was an extremely heavy amount of rain in an extremely short period of time,” he said.
Emergency crews continue search and rescue operations while hazmat teams work to secure the scattered propane tanks that pose ongoing safety risks to the community.
