In the small towns of Globe and Miami, Arizona, where floodwaters have wreaked havoc, the spirit of community has shone through as hundreds of volunteers provide much-needed aid. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the catastrophic flooding caused by three separate storm waves demolished parts of the towns, leading to residents recounting harrowing experiences such as a "wall of water" engulfing roads and sweeping away cars and people.
Despite the destruction, locals joined forces to begin the arduous cleanup process. Kate McGlynn told FOX 10 Phoenix, "This is the worst thing we’ve ever seen," detailing how her own home was quickly inundated. Volunteers from across the state, including a high school football team, descended on the region to lend a hand in the aftermath.
Globe's Mayor Al Gameros underscored the gravity of the disaster in a statement given to The Arizona Republic, describing the flood devastation as "astonishing" and expressing an urgent need for federal assistance. The town's residents are facing the challenge of not just navigating current losses but also preparing for future monsoon seasons, with some locals, like Miami councilman and business owner Don Reiman, emphasizing the need to deepen and widen the towns' washes.
On top of physical damage, issues such as possibly hazardous materials dislodged by the floods have caused concern among Globe and Miami residents. Some residents, like Michael Gorman, are apprehensive about propane tanks collected near a residential neighborhood, despite reassurances from local officials about safety measures. Gorman told FOX 10 Phoenix, "They oughta dispose of 'em," pointing out that these tanks have been a longstanding issue now brought to the forefront by the floods.
As cleanup and recovery efforts continue, the need for financial aid is becoming more pronounced for business owners like Roger Dahling, who told FOX 10 Phoenix, "I'm wiped out," stressing the necessity of immediate government action to support the beleaguered community. Amid the call for help, county officials are urging residents to complete damage assessment surveys to facilitate recovery operations.
