NEED TO KNOW
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At least four people are dead and several others remain missing after devastating floods in Arizona
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Heavy rain hit the region on Friday, Sept. 26, and continued into the weekend
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Rescue and recovery efforts are currently being carried out to find those unaccounted for
At least four people are dead and many others are believed to be missing after devastating floods in Arizona, according to authorities.
Following severe rain on Friday, Sept. 26, three people from the city of Globe were found dead amid floods. Mayor Al Gameros said their community was experiencing “an unthinkable, devastating” event in a Facebook post announcing search and rescue efforts in the area.
A fourth person was found dead 90 miles away in Scottsdale on Saturday morning, CBS News and CNN reported, citing Gila County Emergency Services and the Scottsdale Fire Department (SFP). Their body was discovered “pinned under a walkway bridge,” not far from where a vehicle had been seen partially submerged in water the night before.
Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona, declared a state of emergency for Gila County in response to the floods. She announced in a news release that $200,000 of state resources were being made available to the impacted areas to aid search and rescue operations and recovery efforts.
“I’m heartbroken by the devastation in Gila County, my thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and the residents whose lives have been impacted,” said Gov. Hobbs.
“…We will continue to work around the clock to ensure communities throughout Gila County that have been impacted by devastating flooding have the support they need,” Hobbs added.
The Gila County Public Health & Community Services (GCPHCS) urged residents to avoid flood-impacted areas and follow evacuation instructions in a news release shared on Facebook.
“Heavy rains overwhelmed waterways in and around Globe, Miami, Claypool, and San Carlos, leading to significant flooding,” GCPHCS said.
Highlighting another danger that has arisen, they added, “… Nearly 1,000 propane tanks were swept from a distribution facility, creating hazardous conditions, and portions of U.S. 60 remain closed due to debris and flood damage.”
Footage of the floods obtained by CBS News shows cars driving through waterlogged roads and vehicles submerged in the floodwaters.
Adam Klepp/KNXV-TV – ABC15 Arizona via AP
Damage caused by the flash floods in Globe, Ariz., on Sept. 27
The National Weather Service‘s flash flood warning has remained in place into Sunday, while the search for those unaccounted for is also ongoing. According to CNN, the Arizona Department of Transportation has been contacted to assess any damage to bridges in the area.
Red Cross shelters have been opened at High Desert and Lee Kornegay, Globe’s Mayor, Al Gameros, announced on Facebook.
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“I urge everyone to be patient with the process as we continue operations,” Gameros said.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Scottsdale Fire Department and Gila County Emergency Services for comment.
Read the original article on People
