State of Emergency Declared in Gila County Due to Flooding

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has proclaimed a state of emergency in Gila County after a series of heavy rains led to severe flooding in the Grove-Miami area on September 26, as reported by local officials.

This declaration will allow for the release of $200,000 from the governor’s emergency fund, managed by the Arizona Department of Emergency Management, according to a statement from her office.

Carl Melford, the Gila County Emergency Management Manager, shared with the Republic of Arizona that the flooding has resulted in at least three fatalities.

“I am heartbroken by the devastation in Gila County. My thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and residents whose lives have been deeply affected,” Hobbs expressed in her statement.

The funds will aid ongoing rescue and recovery operations, which involve the safe removal of hazardous pressurized tanks scattered across the area, many believed to contain propane.

“We will work around the clock to ensure that communities across Gila County, which are grappling with the aftermath of these catastrophic floods, receive the necessary support to protect lives and property,” she stated.

Furthermore, Hobbs has authorized Gila County for a “spearable deployment” of the Arizona State Guard.

Prior to the emergency declaration, state resources were already on site, including the Hazmat team, search and rescue units, officials from the Arizona Department of Transportation, and state police.

Assistance has also come in from Nevada, as noted in the governor’s announcement.

A press conference is scheduled with Hobbs at the National Guard Base in North Tempe around 4:45 PM.

Previously, the City of Grove had issued its own emergency declaration during a council meeting.