Contributed Article
WASHINGTON D.C. – Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, along with Representatives Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), David Schweikert (R-AZ-01), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging swift approval of Governor Katie Hobbs’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration following catastrophic flooding in Gila and Mohave Counties.
“From Sept. 25 through Sept. 27, 2025, severe flooding occurred throughout the State of Arizona, causing significant and sustained damage, most notably across Gila and Mohave counties. During this prolonged period of torrential rainfall and flash flooding resulting from a stalled monsoon, approximately 6 to 10 inches of rainfall occurred within 48 hours, overwhelming local watersheds, triggering flash floods and debris floods, and causing widespread destruction to homes. Entire neighborhoods were inundated, roads became impassable, bridges were washed out, families were displaced, and hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged,” the lawmakers wrote.
The lawmakers cited damage assessments showing the scale of the impact on residents and infrastructure: “Preliminary Damage Assessments conducted by FEMA, the State of Arizona, and local officials identified 312 damaged homes, including 64 destroyed, 89 with major damage, and 159 with minor to affected-level damage. More than 180 residents required emergency sheltering or temporary lodging, and approximately 74 households lacked insurance coverage. Additionally, severe erosion and debris deposition damaged primary roadways and bridges, including portions of U.S. Highway 60, State Route 77, and many county or locally maintained roads.”
They closed by urging swift action from the administration to ensure Arizona communities receive the recovery resources they need: “Emergency protective measures were required to coordinate lifesaving efforts, rescue victims, recovery of deceased persons, stabilize slopes, clear debris, restore access for emergency services, and temporarily restore utilities. In total, preliminary estimates show losses of $33,579,081. Mr. President, we respectfully request your swift consideration and approval of this designation in accordance with all laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies.”
Read the full letter here.
