2 people dead after monsoon causes flooding in Gila Bend
Aug 15, 2021, 11:40 AM | Updated: 6:15 pm
(AP Photo/Michael Probst)
(AP Photo/Michael Probst)
PHOENIX — Two people were found dead due to flooding in Gila Bend, following a monsoon that drenched south-central Arizona.
The rain led to the closures of Phoenix freeways and State Route 238 remains closed both ways, according to Arizona DOT.
Gila Bend mayor Chris Riggs declared a state of emergency for the town of 2,000 people due to the flooding.
According to a Facebook video posted of Riggs by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, a man and woman died in the flooding.
“Hopefully we don’t find any more in our search,” Riggs said. “We are a resilient community, and we are a strong community.”
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Gila Bend had nearly 1.5 inches of rain in 24 hours, but a nearby site along a state highway that was closed because of flooding measured 3.9 inches, according to the Maricopa County Flood Control District’s website.
Maricopa County responded to Gila Bend’s emergency declaration by giving the town access to emergency funds and by sending crews and equipment to clear roads and help recovery efforts, a a county statement said.
Gila Bend is 51 miles southwest of Phoenix, where sections of Interstate 17 reopened Saturday after being closed Friday night because of standing water. The Phoenix Fire Department reported making multiple rescues of people stranded in cars on flooded streets.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
