State of emergency declared in Globe, residents asked to shelter in place after severe flooding

PHOENIX — The Globe City Council declared a state of emergency on Saturday afternoon and residents were asked to shelter in place following severe flooding on Friday.

Globe Mayor Al Gameros said in social media post around midnight that he would be declaring a state of emergency. Around the same time, The Gila County Public Health and Community Services asked residents to shelter in place.

The Globe City Council then held an emergency council meeting at noon on Saturday to formally declare a state of emergency.

“Our community has experienced an unthinkable, devastating flood event,” Gameros said in a social media post. “Our primary objective is search and rescue due to numerous vehicles that have been swept into the wash. Currently, our local swift water teams are in the process of searching all the washes.”

The city also transitioned to a Type 3 State Incident Team from the State Land Department at noon.

Gov. Katie Hobbs also declared a state of emergency for the county.

The declaration released $200,000 of the Governor’s Emergency Fund with relief efforts to be coordinated by the Arizona Division of Emergency Management.

At least three flood-related deaths were confirmed by the Gila County Department of Public Health and Community Services.

“I’m heartbroken by the devastation in Gila County, my thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and the residents whose lives have been impacted,” Governor Hobbs said.

“This declaration is a commitment to the people of Gila County that Arizona will deliver every resource available to help. We will continue to work around the clock to ensure communities throughout Gila County that have been impacted by devastating flooding have the support they need to protect life and property.”

Large force helping Globe with flooding response

According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, more than 150 people as of Sunday morning were assisting Arizona Forestry’s Incident Management Team with flood recovery efforts across Globe and Gila County.

The City of Globe on Facebook asked anyone in or near the area to help. The public was asked to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 928-425-4449 if they find any unaccounted for people who were displaced due to the flooding.

Sunday road closure and reopening

Due to work being done by cleanup crews, the City of Globe announced around 8:30 a.m. Sunday that Jesse Hayes Road is closed to local traffic only until further notice from Beer Tree Crossing to Ruiz Canyon Bridge.

At noon, Broad Street reopened for local business owners only while cleanup continues.

Details on Globe flooding response

During the meeting, it was noted that crews from Maricopa Search and Rescue, Pima Search and Rescue, Tonto Rim Search and Rescue, Tri-City Fire District, Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and two Hand Crews from the state had responded to help with rescue and clean up efforts.

In addition, Superstition Fire Department, Florence Fire Department and DPS Hazmat were responding to provide aid.

The U.S. 60 had reopened after being closed overnight, but Broad Street remains closed to the public due to hazards.

There are two Red Cross shelters open at High Desert Middle School in Globe and Lee Kornegay Intermediate School in Miami.

The city was asking residents to stay out of historic downtown Globe and the creek due compromised buildings, hazardous chemicals and debris.

One of the first areas to be flooded was a propane tank distribution business that sent about 1,000 residential-sized propane tanks loose in the community.

“There’s propane tanks everywhere through downtown Globe,” Emergency Manager of Gila County Carl Melford said. “Luckily none of them ignited or exploded.”

“We understand the deep desire to help right now, our community always steps up,” the city said in a social media post. “But the best way to help at this time is to have patience and allow trained professionals the space to do what is needed.”

It was noted during the meeting and on social media that Mayor Gameros had been in contact with the Governor’s Office, Senator Mark Kelly and Congressman Eli Crane in regards to accessing funds for the city.

“It’s going to take all of us in this community to come back and we can do it, we will do it,” Gameros said during the meeting. “We are a vibrant downtown and I know this council, our staff, has worked tremendously to build this community and we’ll make it better.”

Anyone looking to make donations was asked to contact Assistant City Manager Linda Oddonetto at 928-961-3382

Gila County also set up a call center for residents seeking information regarding shelter and recovery, which can be contacted at 928-402-8888 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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