Credited from: CBSNEWS
At least four people are confirmed dead following severe flooding in Arizona caused by heavy rainfall. The most impacted area is the historic mining town of Globe, where emergency manager Carl Melford reported three fatalities in the town, with a fourth victim found in suburban Phoenix. The flooding forced residents to seek safety on rooftops as streets transformed into fast-moving rivers, reportedly sweeping away vehicles and hydroing approximately 1,000 propane tanks from a local distributorship, which now poses a serious hazard, according to CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and India Times.
Residents in Globe reported extreme conditions, with about 2.5 inches of rain falling within just 24 hours. As further storms approached, search efforts for missing residents were paused due to rising water levels in local creeks, limiting access to some areas in need of urgent assistance. Mayor Al Gameros described the damage as unprecedented, declaring a state of emergency while emphasizing that "Our primary, again, is search and rescue," according to CBS News and Los Angeles Times.
The flooding has necessitated extensive rescue operations, including teams from neighboring counties and the state to assist in recovery efforts. In addition, approximately 20 tourists stranded on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, including at scenic Havasu Falls, were evacuated. Officials have called on residents to refrain from venturing into flooded areas as volunteer interference could hamper rescue dogs' ability to locate any remaining victims, as reiterated by all three sources CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and India Times.
Authorities are working diligently to assess structural damage and ensure safety on local roads and bridges. Residents have shared videos on social media depicting the severity of the flooding, with some vehicles caught in the powerful current and debris scattered throughout the city. As conditions are expected to worsen with more rain forecasted, anyone in the affected areas is strongly reminded to take precautions and stay in safe locations, state officials warn according to CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and India Times.