At least four people have died due to severe flooding in central Arizona, with two others still unaccounted for, local officials reported on Saturday. The flooding, which affected the towns of Globe and Miami, also caused approximately 1,000 propane tanks to wash away from a distribution facility, raising significant hazardous materials concerns in the area.

The search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities look for any additional victims. Two of the deceased were found inside a vehicle that had been submerged, while a third victim was discovered outside a vehicle in downtown Globe. The fourth victim, identified as Ander Polanco, was located outside his car after floodwaters receded. The Scottsdale Police Department is conducting a death investigation, but the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Officials have warned that the washed-away propane tanks pose a serious risk of explosion. The city of Globe issued a statement on social media, declaring, "Historic Downtown Globe is currently unsafe, with compromised buildings as well as hazardous chemicals and debris, including propane tanks. For your safety, please stay out of the area until further notice."

Residents have been advised to shelter in place due to potential hazardous materials in the floodwaters. Gila County Emergency Management is coordinating with various agencies to assist with search and rescue efforts and to assess the hazmat situation. The city has mobilized over 100 additional resources, including search and rescue teams from surrounding areas.

Globe Mayor Al Gameros described the flooding as an "unthinkable, devastating flood event" and emphasized that the primary focus is on search and rescue operations. He noted that the city council plans to declare a state of emergency to facilitate recovery efforts and has reached out to the state for further assistance.

The flooding was triggered by torrential rains from monsoon thunderstorms that struck the region on Friday evening. A rain gauge at the Globe courthouse recorded 2.09 inches of rain in just 25 minutes. Floodwaters also led to the temporary closure of Highway 60 through Globe and Miami, although it has since reopened.