Severe Flooding in Central Arizona
Grove, Arizona – Central Arizona is experiencing a dire situation as flash floods have tragically claimed at least three lives in the towns of Grove and Miami over the past few days.
Details about the victims remain sparse, but local officials have noted that several vehicles have been swept away by rushing waters. Additionally, the floods have carried around 1,000 propane tanks downstream, prompting the Gila County Emergency Management Office to send hazardous materials teams for cleanup and air quality monitoring.
Impact of Monsoon Rains
Authorities have declared the historic Downtown Grove unsafe. “Buildings have been damaged, and hazardous materials like propane tanks are scattered about,” city officials emphasized. Residents are urged to vacate the area until further notice for their safety.
More than 100 additional search and rescue personnel are on-site, alongside the Hazmat team, to look for those potentially still trapped or missing. Grove’s Mayor, Al Gameros, shared on social media the community’s distress: “We experienced an unthinkable flood event tonight. Our main focus is rescue efforts as numerous vehicles have been lost to the flood.”
In response to the widespread devastation, Governor Katie Hobbs has declared a state of emergency for Gila County. “I am heartbroken over the destruction in Gila County. My thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones and those impacted by this disaster,” Hobbs remarked. This declaration signifies a commitment to mobilize resources to assist the affected areas.
Amid all of this, footage from the flood captured by local resident Jaleka Jawara shows propane tanks floating dangerously in the turbulent waters, alongside damaged vehicles and buildings. Gameros informed that the city council is actively pursuing additional resources from the state to aid recovery efforts.
This severe flooding stems from heavy rains linked to a monsoon thunderstorm on Friday. Reports indicate that the Glove Court House rain gauge measured an impressive 2.09 inches in a mere 25 minutes, leading to extensive flooding. Furthermore, Highway 60 through Grove and Miami faced temporary closures but has since reopened.
