Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency for Gila County following days of heavy rain that culminated in devastating flooding in the Globe-Miami area on the night of Sept. 26, according to city and emergency officials.
The declaration releases $200,000 from the Governor’s Emergency Fund through the Arizona Division of Emergency Management, her office said in a statement.
Carl Melford, Gila County Emergency Management manager, told The Arizona Republic that at least three people were killed in the flooding.
“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,” Hobbs said in a statement.
The funds will support ongoing rescue and cleanup efforts, including the removal of hazardous pressurized tanks scattered across Globe, many of which are believed to contain propane.
“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,” Hobbs said.
Community members on Sept. 27, 2025, work to clean up the aftermath of flash floods near the Globe area.
Hobbs authorized the “rapid deployment” of the Arizona National Guard to Gila County, according to the statement.
Hobbs’ office noted that even before the emergency declaration, the state had deployed resources including hazmat teams, search and rescue crews, Arizona Department of Transportation personnel, and state police.
Additional support also came from the state of Nevada, according to the governor’s statement.
Hobbs is scheduled to hold a news conference at the National Guard base in north Tempe about 4:45 p.m.
The city of Globe earlier announced a emergency proclamation during a council meeting.
Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.
Storm update: Deadly flooding, emergency declared in Globe
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona governor declares emergency after floods devastate Gila County