THREE people are reportedly dead after brutal flash flooding smashed through a small US city on Friday.
More are feared missing as officials declare a state of emergency in Arizona and concerns are raised over a hazmat issue in the area.
Cars were seen destroyed after the flash flooding in Globe, Arizona, on Friday[/caption]
Up to 1,000 propane tanks have reportedly been washed downstream in the flooding with a resident telling Arizona’s Family the contrainers were releasing gas.
Locals are being warned to shelter in place until the potential hazardous materials have been cleared.
“This has caused a major hazmat issue,” said Carl Melford, the emergency manager at Gila County Division of Emergency Management.
“We’ve called in pretty much as many state resources as we can get.”
No details have yet been released about the deaths in the flooding, first confirmed by the City of Globe mayor Al Gameros.
Small city Globe, located about 85 miles east of Phoneix, was the worst hit in the down pour.
“I want to reassure our community that while there may not be frequent updates at this moment, it is because the City of Globe is in an active emergency mode,” Mayor Gameros posted in a statement on Facebook.
“I will be declaring a State of Emergency for the City of Globe to ensure we can continue to mobilize resources and support recovery efforts.”
Search crews worked overnight on Friday and into Saturday after cars were left submerged underwater as the torrential rain fell.
“I don’t recognize the town,” Melford said of the horror destruction.
“But for those that are able to check on your neighbors, help out your neighbors.”
He also begged for people to leave the search efforts to officials.
“If volunteers self-deploy into these, into these flooded areas, it could throw off the cadaver dogs,” Melford explained.
“It could cause more issues.
“So we know that people would love to help, but there’s, there’s other ways to help, such as, you know, helping out with providing drinks or food for the shelters or anything else like that, could be a tremendous help.”
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