Governor Katie Hobbs finally declared a State of Emergency in flood ravaged Gila County, but only after State Representative Walt Blackman, other legislators, and politicos called on her to take action.
Praying for the victims of the deadly overnight flooding in Globe, Arizona
Where is Governor Katie Hobbs?
Has she said anything? pic.twitter.com/Yq5904xLMF
— Ben Petersen (@bennpetersen) September 27, 2025
The storms have killed at least three people, swept away vehicles, damaged historic buildings, and scattered hazardous debris, including propane tanks. Search and rescue teams remain on the ground as additional rain is forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
“Gila County residents need help now,” Representative Blackman said prior to Hobbs declaration. “I am calling on the Governor to issue this declaration without delay. Every hour counts when lives and property are at risk.”
The emergency declaration allows Gila County to access state resources and support to stabilize the situation, protect public safety, and begin recovery operations.
Governor Katie Hobbs declaration will release $200,000 from the Governor’s Emergency Fund, with the Arizona Division of Emergency Management coordinating these efforts. Governor Hobbs also authorized the rapid deployment of the Arizona National Guard to support efforts in Gila County as necessary. Statewide and interstate mutual aid, including assistance from Nevada has been activated to bolster local law enforcement, fire, EMS, and search and rescue teams.
Arizona Forestry Incident Management Team assumes operational duties of search & rescue efforts to support the city of Globe & Gila County – along w/residents after Friday's catastrophic flooding.
Six Search & Rescue (SAR) teams from across the state, two Arizona Forestry… pic.twitter.com/MZvjS1QxaF
— AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management (@azstateforestry) September 28, 2025
“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,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “This declaration is a commitment to the people of Gila County that Arizona will deliver every resource available to help. 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.”
Critics of Hobbs blasted the delayed response, wondering if she would have been as slow to act if the disaster had impacted a county more important to her political future. “It looks so bad for the Governor to move in slow motion when disaster hits a small rural red county that Hobbs lost by more than 30 points in her first election.” said one Republican consultant, who added that Hobbs should be working to look after every county, regardless of its political slant. “Hobbs is still viewed negatively by a lot of Arizonans who think she is mean or political and that she doesn’t care about ordinary Arizonans or the whole state. This was a blown opportunity for her to do the right thing.”
If you look at the map of “Globe Arizona” what is a prominent feature of the layout of the streets is that the map central feature has the word “HELL” in the street layout. Watch what you ask for…
This Governor is a total train wreck and she should resign immediately!!