Heavy rain slammed South-Central Arizona into the early hours of Friday, leaving communities reeling and emergency crews scrambling. The size of the disaster only became clearer as the day progressed, and officials confirmed the death toll rose from three to four. Globe and the surrounding areas of Gila County took the brunt of the damage.
Rescue teams, local volunteers, and state resources have converged on the hardest hit neighborhoods, searching for anyone still missing and checking for structural hazards. Streets turned to rivers and homes were inundated, forcing people to seek refuge on rooftops until help arrived. Power and communications were spotty in places, complicating response efforts.
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.”
City leaders described downtown Globe as battered, with buildings damaged and neighborhoods cut off by water and debris. Volunteers have been mobilizing in large numbers, bringing food, water, and local knowledge to support formal responders. Officials asked the public to avoid the danger zones until areas can be declared safe.
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:
Local shelters have been opened and nonprofit groups swung into action to take in those displaced by the flooding. Basic needs like dry clothing, warm food, and medical checks are the immediate priorities while crews map the most dangerous pockets of damage. Community centers and school gyms are serving as coordination points for donations and volunteers.
Earlier on Saturday, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) 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.
Senator Mark Kelly also confirmed his team is in contact with local officials as recovery shifts into a sustained effort. His office emphasized any support needed would be offered to help with rescue and relief operations. The coordination with city leaders aims to speed aid where it is most critical.
My team and I are in touch with Mayor Gameros and the City of Globe to offer whatever support is needed.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a State of Emergency for Gila County to unlock state resources and support a federal response if required. That declaration paves the way for a more robust flow of manpower, equipment, and financial assistance to help stabilize the situation. Officials said the priority remains saving lives and preventing further harm.
It’s a painful day for Arizona, for Gila County and in particular, the communities of Globe….and the San Carlo Apache Tribe.
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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.
State agencies are coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local first responders to assess infrastructure damage and get supplies moving. Road closures and washouts mean some areas will need air or specialized water rescue to reach isolated residents. Structural engineers are being called in to evaluate buildings that appear compromised.
Neighbors described harrowing overnight rescues and acts of courage as people helped each other evacuate, move possessions to higher ground, and check on elderly or immobile neighbors. Those small acts of community have been a bright spot amid the destruction and a reminder how much local knowledge matters in disasters. Volunteer groups are organizing donation drives and transport runs to ensure essentials reach where they are needed most.
