Death Toll Climbs to 4, ‘Massive Search & Rescue’ Op Underway After Flooding ‘Decimated’ Gila County, AZ – RedState

After heavy rains spilled at the South Center of Arizona in the short hours of Friday morning, the state authorities and local officials attend the consequences of the floods that followed – including the loss of human life. Unfortunately, just in recent hours, the number of deaths has gone from three to four. And the hardest affected area seems to be in and around the world of Glia.

via AP:

Four people died after heavy rains caused floods in Arizona, sending people to a rural community on their safety roofs, officials announced on Saturday.

Three people died after the rain flooded Globe, a city of around 7,250 people at around 88 miles (142 kilometers) east of Phoenix, Carl Melford, emergency manager in Gila county. Two people were found in a vehicle and another in flood waters, he said. They were not immediately identified by the authorities.

Another person was found dead on Saturday morning near a vehicle taken in flood waters in the suburbs of Phoenix the previous night.

Melford added that civil servants have not yet controlled the number of people among the missing, but they “now have a massive research and rescue in progress”.

The mayor of the city has echoed the same tragic message, while revealing the silver lining of neighbors support each other:

Dozens of people went to volunteer, said Mayor Al Gamero, adding that many buildings in the city center of the community had been damaged. The officials asked people to stay away from the area until they can make sure it is sure to go.

“Our primary, once again, is research and rescue,” Gamero said on Saturday.

To give you a taste of what some here at AZ treated overnight, here is a scary clip:

Tonight, intense floods are causing serious damage to Globe, Arizona, United States. pic.twitter.com/1caoyjnmxu

– Meteorological monitor (@weathermonitors) September 27, 2025

Earlier on Saturday, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) wrote a message on his account X, with condolences for lost lives and information on the shelters of the Red Cross for anyone needs help:

My heart goes to the families of those who have lost their lives in the floods of the globe and everyone looking for missing relatives.

Two shelters of the Red Cross were opened for displaced residents of the High Desert intermediary school and the Lee Kornegay intermediary school.

My office closely monitors the situation.

Similarly, senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) said that his office supported during the crisis:

News devastators of the globe. I think of all the people affected and particularly grateful to the first speakers who worked tirelessly to save and support those who are in danger. Their courage and compassion remind us of what the community means. My team and I are in contact with … pic.twitter.com/mqkompdeym

– Senator Mark Kelly (@senmarkkelly) September 27, 2025

My team and I are in contact with Mayor Gameros and the city of Globe to offer the necessary support.

The Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs officially declared the state of emergency for Gila County, as she published on her official account X:

The floods in the county of Gila caused heartbreaking losses and serious damage. I have declared a state of emergency to ensure that the resources are available immediately and that each affected community obtains the support it needs to recover and rebuild.

– Governor Katie Hobbs (@Governorhobbs) September 27, 2025

During the press conference held on Saturday afternoon, Governor Hobbs updated the efforts of the first stakeholders and law enforcement officials. She said:

It is a painful day for Arizona, for the county of Gila and in particular, the communities of Globe …. and the San Carlo Apache tribe.

…

Today, I have declared the state of emergency for the county of Gila, where the heavy rains and the floods have decimated houses, destroys businesses and, most, life tragically.

She added that all state departments and agencies work with the Fédérale Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Restoration Efforts of Gila.

Please join me to pray for those close to the victims and those who are always lost at this time.

It is a story in development. Redstate will provide updates as more information will be available.