Flood Recovery Efforts in Gila County

PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs visited Gila County on Saturday to assess the damage from severe flooding that occurred on September 26th.

During her tour, she inspected businesses in downtown Grove and visited warehouses that had been turned into disaster relief centers for local residents affected by the floods.

“This experience makes it clear just how much damage has been done, and it highlights the time and effort needed for recovery,” Hobbs remarked after the tour. “This really emphasizes why swift support is crucial.”

Collaboration for Recovery

Hobbs declared a state of emergency the day following the storm.

This declaration unlocked $200,000 in funding aimed at facilitating rescue and recovery initiatives.

A disaster support center opened on Wednesday, with numerous organizations coming together to assist in recovery.

Contributing organizations include the Department of Economic Security, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, APS, and the American Red Cross, among others.

Gabe Lavine, director of the Arizona Emergency Management Department, reported that 230 individuals and families have utilized the facility.

“The community’s primary needs at this moment include financial assistance, housing support, cleanups, and debris removal from properties,” Lavine noted.

Lasting Effects of the Flooding

Grove Mayor Al Gameros stated that three fatalities have been confirmed, although one of the previously missing individuals has since been located.

Online videos showed vehicles being swept away by the floodwaters.

“During the flooding, a restaurant located on this street had about 45 people inside,” Gameros recounted on his tour with Hobbs. “You could hear the screams. People were washed away, some clinging to car bumpers.”

The total number of homes, businesses, and vehicles lost remains unclear.