Four dead after severe Arizona floods strike Globe, a historic mining town

Four people are confirmed dead after extreme rainfall caused flooding in Globe, a rural mining town about 88 miles east of Phoenix. Officials said the downpour forced residents to rooftops and overwhelmed roads and downtown infrastructure as a massive search-and-rescue operation was launched.

Two people were found in a vehicle and another in floodwaters in Globe, according to Gila County Emergency Management. They were not immediately identified. Another person was found Saturday morning near a vehicle that had become stranded in floodwaters in a suburban Phoenix park area the night before; the vehicle appeared empty after it was spotted partially submerged in about eight feet of fast-moving water in a greenbelt park.

Globe city council declared an emergency, saying officials had never seen anything like the flooding. The downtown area sustained extensive damage as a wave of floodwater moved through; officials said roughly 1,000 residential propane tanks were scattered through the downtown, prompting hazmat responders to be dispatched. Officials noted that none of the tanks ignited or exploded, but the risk of hazardous leaks prompted caution and additional precautions.

Authorities urged residents not to search floodwaters themselves; search-and-rescue crews were accompanied by dogs, and officials asked people to instead focus on helping neighbors in need. The city and county warned the area would remain unsafe until crews could secure the flood zone and confirm missing persons.

Globe is one of Arizona's oldest mining towns, with a long history connected to local ore production and processing. The flood followed an exceptionally heavy rainfall event in a short period, which overwhelmed the town's drainage and infrastructure. The area had experienced flooding in 2021 after a wildfire, but officials said this event was not comparable in scope to that prior episode.

Mayor Al Gamero stressed that the priority remains search and rescue and urged people to stay away from the affected area until authorities can declare it safe. Sheriff's officials said they were reviewing reports of people who may be missing, but could not provide a specific number at this time.

Officials said the emergency declaration would remain in effect as crews continue to assess damage and risk along downtown streets. With rain now waning in most areas, the focus shifts to recovery and safeguarding residents, as responders coordinate shelter, debris removal and utility checks.

Public safety officials urged patience as the scope of the damage becomes clear, and said they would provide updates as new information becomes available.