3 dead after massive flooding in Arizona community; state of emergency declared

GLOBE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — Three people are dead and more could be missing as emergency crews look through the damage left behind by devastating flooding in Arizona.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency Saturday to support ongoing rescue operations and help clean up damage across the cities. The Arizona National Guard will also be deployed to assist in the rescue missions.

Authorities say there is no definitive number of people who may still be missing.

One of the bigger concerns has been the 1,000 propane tanks that were washed downstream, according to Carl Melford, the emergency manager at Gila County Division of Emergency Management.

“This has caused a major hazmat issue,” he said. “We’ve called in pretty much as many state resources as we can get.”

City officials urged people to stay out of downtown because of unsafe buildings, debris and hazardous chemicals, including the propane tanks.

Crews have also been urging everyone to stay out of the creek with search and rescue operations underway.

Eastbound U.S. 60 was closed near Pinal Creek Road in Globe because of flooding, the Arizona Department of Transportation said on Saturday.

Melford said this week’s flooding was worse than 2021’s flooding due to rain hitting the Telegraph Fire burn scar.

“I grew up here and I don’t recognize the town,” he said.

Melford asked the community to help each other out.

He called on people not to do their own search for loved ones and leave those operations to the professionals.

“We know people would love to help, but there are other ways to help, such as providing drinks or food for the shelters or anything else like that is a tremendous help,” Melford said.

The city declared a state of emergency and continued to urge community members to stay inside due to the hazardous debris.

Globe Mayor Al Gamero said the city is in emergency mode.

“I want to reassure our community that while there may not be frequent updates at this moment, it is because the City of Globe is in an active emergency mode,” the mayor shared in a statement. “I will be declaring a state of emergency for the city of Globe to ensure we can continue to mobilize resources and support recovery efforts.”

Video obtained by Arizona’s Family showed loose propane tanks floating in the floodwaters that one resident said were releasing gas. Several cars were also seen partially submerged in the water.

Gila County Emergency Management was advising residents to shelter in place due to possible hazardous materials in the floodwaters.

Two evacuation shelter locations were set up to help Globe-Miami residents:

• Lee Kornegy Intermediate School - 4635 Railroad Ave, Miami, AZ 85539
• High Desert Middle School - 4000 High Desert Dr, Globe, AZ

Several historic buildings in downtown Globe were damaged by the raging waters. The exterior wall of the Wild Horses Saloon was ripped off during the storm, leaving shattered glass scattered in the road.