Staff Reports
GLOBE – At least three people have been found deceased in flooding in Globe, which has caused a large amount of property damage as well.
Videos on social media, posted late Friday night, showed images of cars floating down the streets and restaurants being flooded.
Additionally, thousands of propane tanks swept away in the floodwaters have created a hazmat situation.
Highway 60 was closed overnight but reopened early Saturday. A proclamation made by the Globe City Council on Saturday during a special meeting declared a state of emergency.
Those who wish to donate supplies such as shovels, gloves, brooms, mops, fans, and squeegees should bring them to the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce at 1360 N. Broad St., Globe. Those looking to volunteer can call 928-425-4495 or 928-719-9334 or stop by the Chamber office. Officials have asked the public to stay away from the Downtown area until it is cleaned.
Globe Mayor Al Gamero said on social media late Friday night regarding plans to declare a state of emergency, which the City Council did on Saturday.
“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 posted in a statement on Facebook. “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.”
The Gila County Division of Emergency Management told residents to shelter in place as they clear the debris and watch for more rain expected in the area today.
“We ask that they not interfere with the active search and rescue operations going on. They have a grid pattern. They have a strategy. They’re trained professionals. And any people going into an area that’s being searched by dogs, the scent of that person attempting to help could actually interfere with the search,” Carl Melford with Gila County Emergency Services said.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency in response to the flooding.
“The flooding in Gila County has caused heartbreaking loss and serious damage,” she said in a statement on social media.
