Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs surveys flood damage in Gila County

PHOENIX — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs visited Gila County on Saturday and toured areas that were hit by severe flooding on Sept. 26.

Gov. Hobbs toured businesses in downtown Globe, as well as a warehouse that was converted into a Disaster Assistance Center for residents affected by the floods.

“It kind of gives you this visual of how much damage, the impact and how long its going to take to really recover from this,” Hobbs said of the tour. “And why it’s really important for us to get the assistance here as quickly as possible.”

Multiple organizations come together for recovery efforts

Hobbs declared a state of emergency one day after the storms hit.

The emergency declaration freed up $200,000 worth of funds for rescue and recovery efforts.

On Wednesday, the Disaster Assistance Center was opened with many organizations contributing to the recovery efforts.

Some of those entities include the Department of Economic Security, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, APS, Department of Agriculture, Salvation Army, Department of Housing, Team Rubicon, ADOT, Department of Veteran Services and the American Red Cross.

Gabe LaVine, director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management, said that 230 individuals and families have come through the facility.

“A lot of the biggest needs in the community right now are going to be financial assistance, housing assistance, muck outs and debris removal on private property,” Lavine said.

Lasting impact of flooding in Globe

Globe Mayor Al Gameros said on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos that three people were confirmed dead but that one of the reported missing persons had been found.

Viral videos on the internet showed cars being swept away by flood waters.

“(One of the) restaurants down the street had 45 people in it,” Gameros said during the tour with Hobbs. “You could hear the screaming. They were washed out into the roadway. They were hanging on to bumpers.”

The amount of homes, businesses and vehicles that were a total loss is unknown.

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