PHOENIX, AZ — Over the weekend, a monsoon storm caused flash flooding in the Town of Gila Bend, causing damages to private property, power outages, and roadway and drainage systems and leaving at least two known fatalities.
In response, the Town of Gila Bend and Maricopa County declared a Local Emergency for Maricopa County and activated the Emergency Operations Center in order to assist with the response.
Governor Doug Ducey then directed the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to activate the State Emergency Operations Center in support of field operations.
The Governor also announced the state would issue a Declaration of Emergency, making up to $200,000 available for response and recovery efforts.
“Heavy rainfall, monsoons and flooding put our communities in serious danger, and we are working to make sure first responders and local leaders have the resources they need to protect Arizonans,” said Governor Ducey. “It’s crucial that we address the fallout of this flooding immediately before this causes more harm to our communities. We knew that there would be challenges that come from monsoon season, and we are prepared to address this. Our number one priority remains protecting people, pets and property throughout Arizona.”
Currently, a Flash Flood Warning by the National Weather Service remains in effect until early Tuesday morning.