Tragically, three individuals have lost their lives due to flooding caused by heavy rains in Arizona, with additional reports of a fourth person found near a vehicle caught in the flood outside Phoenix.

In Grove, Arizona, officials were initially reporting three fatalities, but later updated that to two confirmed deaths, and they are also looking for additional missing persons. The community, which has around 7,250 residents, saw rapid flooding on Friday after rain hit the area.

In the suburban part of Phoenix, a vehicle was found partially submerged in about eight feet of water. The Scottsdale Fire Department indicated that the vehicle appeared unoccupied on Friday evening. However, as the water receded, crews unfortunately discovered a body trapped beneath a bridge.

Within the rural community of Grove, one of Arizona’s historic mining towns, authorities are considering reporting missing individuals, although details remain vague. Sheriff’s officials noted they are actively conducting a search and rescue operation.

“We are on a massive search and rescue mission,” reported Carl Melford, an official. According to him, rain quickly flooded the downtown area, impacting a propane tank supplier and sending a thousand home-sized tanks scattering throughout the community. Fortunately, there were no incidents of ignition or explosion from these tanks.

The town has experienced flooding previously, including after a wildfire in 2021, but this situation was different, Melford noted, calling it a brief but intense period of rain.

Officials are urging residents to refrain from conducting their own search efforts, emphasizing that trained crews with canine support are on the scene. If residents wish to help, officials suggest they start by assisting their friends and neighbors.

The Grove City Council has declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this flooding situation. Many locals have volunteered, and Mayor Al Gamero mentioned significant damage to buildings in downtown. Authorities have advised people to stay away from the area until it’s deemed safe.

“Our primary focus right now is search and rescue,” Gamero emphasized. In response to the devastation, Governor Katie Hobbs has also declared a state of emergency in Gila County, allocating $200,000 from the governor’s emergency fund to assist in ongoing recovery efforts.

“I am heartbroken by the devastation in Gila County,” Hobbs expressed, extending her thoughts to the families affected. She noted that the declaration of emergency underscores a commitment to provide essential resources to those impacted.

Evacuations are currently in effect due to hazardous weather conditions, while the Red Cross has opened two shelters for those in need of refuge.

• Lee Korngay Junior High School – 4635 Railroad Street, Miami
• High Desert Middle School – 4000 High Desert Drive in Grove

Various local agencies, including the Grove Fire Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are tirelessly working on rescue and repair missions. Crews are focusing on stabilizing highways that had been affected, with reports indicating multiple vehicles swept away by floodwaters.

There are also concerning reports of structural damage to buildings making them unsafe for entry. Hazmat teams are engaged in addressing hazardous materials due to propane tanks scattered across the area, while further cleaning is required to remove mud and debris.

Officials are asking community members to allow trained professionals to handle the rescue operations due to safety concerns. Gila County has set up a call center for residents seeking more information about shelters and recovery services, available from 8 AM to 6 PM daily.

The mayor’s office has relayed a message expressing the gravity of the situation and the commitment of local teams to ensure safety while mobilizing resources effectively. There’s a challenge in keeping updates flowing during this active emergency phase, but the communication channels remain open for residents to stay informed.

This is an ongoing situation, and more details will be reported as they emerge.