By Aliss Higham

Copyright newsweek

Severe flooding in central Arizona has left at least four people dead and created a hazardous materials emergency after hundreds of propane tanks were swept away.

Why It Matters

Officials are urging residents to avoid affected areas as dangerous debris and chemicals remain in the flood zone.

The city of Globe, a community of about 7,250 residents located 88 miles east of Phoenix, saw 2.5 inches of rainfall within 24 hours. More storms moved into the region Saturday, worsening already dangerous conditions.

Stock image of a flood warning sign placed on a road.

What To Know

The flooding displaced about 1,000 propane tanks from a distribution facility into the surrounding area, creating an immediate hazmat concern.

Social media videos from Globe show cars being carried off by fast-moving, muddy floodwaters, some crashing into poles while large propane tanks are seen strewn across the area.

“Historic Downtown Globe is currently unsafe, with compromised buildings as well as hazardous chemicals and debris, including propane tanks,” the city of Globe wrote in a Facebook post. “For your safety, please stay out of the area until further notice.

“Search and rescue operations are underway, and any traffic in the area can interfere with rescue teams and throw off the scent work of trained dogs.”

The city has also urged residents to stay in place and not interfere with operations.

“We do not need additional people in the flood zone. Extra traffic puts lives at risk and makes it harder for first responders to do their jobs,” the post continues. “We understand the deep desire to help right now, our community always steps up. But the best way to help at this time is to have patience and allow trained professionals the space to do what is needed.”

Search-and-rescue (SAR) teams, along with hazmat crews, are working throughout the area. “All available agencies in the region are responding to assist with SAR and hazmat assessment and clean up,” a county emergency management official told ABC News.

Four Deaths Reported

At least three people died in the flooding in Globe, Gila County Emergency Services official Carl Melford confirmed. About 90 miles away in Scottsdale, a fourth victim was discovered Saturday morning. The individual was found pinned beneath a walkway bridge near a vehicle that had been caught in nine feet of floodwaters the previous evening, CNN reports.

Governor’s Response

On Saturday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency.

“The flooding in Gila County has caused heartbreaking loss and serious damage,” Hobbs said on X. “I’ve declared a State of Emergency to ensure resources are available immediately and that every impacted community gets the support they need to recover and rebuild.”

Gila County Public Health and Community Services thanked Hobbs, writing on Facebook: “Gila County Emergency Management has activated the Emergency Operations Center while County emergency crews, with support from state and regional partners, have deployed search and rescue teams, and opened shelters for displaced residents.”