After heavy rain poured down on South-Central Arizona into the wee hours of Friday morning, state and local officials are witnessing the aftermath of the flooding that followed--including the loss of human life. Unfortunately, just in the last few hours, the death toll has climbed from three to four. And the hardest hit area appears to be in and around Globe in Glia County.
via the AP:
Four people have died after heavy rain caused flooding in Arizona, sending some people in a rural community to their rooftops for safety, officials said Saturday.
Three people died after rain inundated Globe, a city of about 7,250 people about 88 miles (142 kilometers) east of Phoenix, Carl Melford, emergency manager in Gila County, said. Two people were found in a vehicle and another in the floodwaters, he said. They were not immediately identified by authorities.
Another person was found dead Saturday morning near a vehicle caught in floodwaters in suburban Phoenix the night before.
Melford added that officials don't yet have a handle on just how many people are among the missing, but they "now have a massive search and rescue underway.”
The city's mayor echoed the same, tragic message, while revealing the silver lining of neighbors supporting one another:
Scores of people have stepped up to volunteer, said Mayor Al Gamero, adding that many buildings in the community’s downtown have been damaged. Officials asked people to stay away from the area until they could ensure it is safe to go in there.
“Our primary, again, is search and rescue,” Gamero said Saturday.
To give you all a taste of what some here in AZ were dealing with overnight, here's a scary clip:
Tonight, intense flooding is causing serious damage in Globe, Arizona, USA. pic.twitter.com/1CAOYjNMXu
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) September 27, 2025
Earlier on Saturday, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) wrote a message on his X account, with condolences for the lives lost and information on Red Cross shelters for anyone needing assistance:
My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in the flooding in Globe and to everyone still searching for missing loved ones.
Two Red Cross shelters have been opened for displaced residents at High Desert Middle School and Lee Kornegay Intermediate School.
My office is closely monitoring the situation.
Likewise, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) said his office is providing support during the crisis:
Devastating news out of Globe. I’m thinking about everyone affected and especially grateful to the first responders who’ve worked tirelessly to rescue and support those in harm’s way. Their courage and compassion remind us what community means. My team and I are in touch with… pic.twitter.com/MqkoMpdEYM
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) September 27, 2025
My team and I are in touch with Mayor Gameros and the City of Globe to offer whatever support is needed.
Democrat Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has officially declared a State of Emergency for Gila County, as she posted on her official X account:
The flooding in Gila County has caused heartbreaking loss and serious damage. I’ve declared a State of Emergency to ensure resources are available immediately and that every impacted community gets the support they need to recover and rebuild.
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) September 27, 2025
During press conference held on Saturday afternoon, Gov. Hobbs gave an update on the efforts by first responders and law enforcement officials. She said:
It's a painful day for Arizona, for Gila County and in particular, the communities of Globe....and the San Carlo Apache Tribe.
...
Today, I declared a State of Emergency for Gila County, where heavy rain and flooding have decimated homes, destroyed businesses, and most tragically, taken lives.
She added that all state departments and agencies are working together with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the recovery efforts for Gila County.
Please join me in praying for the loved ones of the victims, and those who are still lost at this hour.
This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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