Globe, Arizona – Three people have died and rescue crews are searching for more after devastating floods hit Globe, Arizona, on Saturday, according to Carl Melford of Gila County Emergency Services.
The city has declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay indoors due to hazardous debris and structural damage. Officials are investigating reports of missing people, though the exact number remains unclear.
Historic Downtown Globe has been deemed unsafe, with damaged buildings and hazardous chemicals, including propane tanks, scattered throughout the area. About 1,000 propane bottles were released from a facility south of the city, according to Mayor Al Gameros. Some of the tanks were leaking, prompting the deployment of hazmat teams and air quality monitors to mitigate the risk.
The Gila County Division of Emergency Management advised residents to shelter in place while cleanup continues and warned of additional rainfall expected in the region. Carl Melford emphasized the importance of allowing trained rescue teams to operate without interference, noting that even well-meaning attempts to help could disrupt search operations.
Officials are also assessing structural damage to downtown buildings and bridges. Crews from the Arizona Department of Transportation have been mobilized to inspect potential bridge damage.
Unprecedented Flooding
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport recorded 1.64 inches of rain on Friday, the most rainfall in a single day since October 13, 2018. Mayor Gameros reported numerous vehicles swept away by the floodwaters.
City officials described the floods as beyond a typical flash flood. John Angulo, Public Works Director, explained, “There wasn’t enough sandbags, there wasn’t enough equipment. I don’t think there’s enough warning that could have helped us prevent what has happened.” Councilman Mariano Gonzalez added, “The width, the length, and breadth and depth of that event last night was unprecedented.”
Residents shared videos showing torrents of brown floodwater rushing through streets, large piles of mud, and vehicles submerged or overturned. Jessica Weider, working at a downtown restaurant, captured footage of a car floating in the water during the two-hour flood. Greg Bucher documented widespread devastation, including displaced propane tanks and damaged bridges.
The county has established one operational shelter with more being prepared, along with a call center for residents seeking information. Globe, home to approximately 7,200 people, is located about 90 miles east of Phoenix.
The Globe flooding illustrates the vulnerability of small cities to sudden extreme weather events. Despite modern emergency management systems, the intensity and speed of the flash flood overwhelmed infrastructure and response capacity. Key takeaways include:
- Preparedness limits: Even with emergency planning, rapid-onset disasters can outpace resources like sandbags, rescue equipment, and evacuation notifications.
- Hazard mitigation: Leaking propane tanks and hazardous chemicals highlight the secondary risks of floods, which can compound human and property losses.
- Community impact: Small cities, with limited emergency shelters and personnel, face unique challenges in coordinating search, rescue, and relief.
- Climate context: As extreme weather becomes more frequent, towns like Globe may need updated flood management infrastructure, advanced warning systems, and proactive evacuation planning.
This event underscores the importance of resilience planning for communities prone to flash floods, especially when compounded by urban hazards like chemical storage and dense downtown areas.