Two people are killed and 30 rescued from their rooftops amid catastrophic flooding sparked by monsoon rains in Arizona
Two people are confirmed dead and 30 others had to be rescued from their rooftops after heavy monsoon rains sparked major flooding in Maricopa County, Arizona.
The flooding swept away entire homes and cars as it ripped through Gila Bend on Friday night.
Resident Brittany Ortiz captured the aftermath on video, showing the water that moved her mother's home by 12 feet and sunk the family's car and truck.
The monsoon caused major damage across the Valley, with some areas in and around the Maricopa County town of Gila Bend seeing nearly two inches of rain in a 24-hour period, Arizona's Family reports.
MCSO Capt. Joe Dietrich confirmed that a woman in her 50s drowned in the floodwaters.
A second victim died in their vehicle after it was captured by the rushing floodwaters.
Authorities eventually discovered the vehicle upside down, however the department hasn't released any names as of Saturday.
MSCO deputies had received a call around 4am Saturday to help with search and rescue efforts in Gila Bend. Dietrich said the department rescued around 30 people who had been stranded on their rooftops after extreme flash flooding surrounded their homes.
Two people are confirmed dead and 30 others had to be rescued from their rooftops after heavy monsoon rains sparked major flooding in Maricopa County, Arizona. Pictured: A screengrab of a video recorded by Gila Bend resident Brittany Campos
Resident Brittany Campos captured the aftermath on video, showing the water that moved her mother's home by 12 feet and sunk the family's car and truck
Another 100 locals were forced to find new places to stay after their homes became inhabitable due to flooding and water damage, according to Arizona's Family.
The department added that the search and rescue calls stopped as of 3.30 pm.
Meanwhile, Dietrich told the outlet that there were around 100 rescuers and first responders dispatched to Maricopa and Gila Bend.
While the monsoon and flash flooding has mostly subsided, the MCSO said it will be in the area until at least Sunday night, as more rain is expected.
Pictured: Doppler radar showing the monsoon's path through Arizona
Another forecast radar image showing flash flooding in Arizona
An MCSO helicopter circles over Gila Bend, where two people died and 30 needing rescue off of their rooftops
'That's why we're getting resources in place to include aviation, our lake patrol units with air boats, ATVs, search and rescue to include quick water as well in case we do have any flooding tonight as well,' said Dietrich.
Just after 7am Saturday, Gila Bend Mayor Chris Riggs made an emergency declaration, with the American Red Cross being called in for assistance.
Hours later, Jack Sellers, the Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, declared a local emergency for the county at large.
City officials stated those residents whose homes were damaged during the monsoon should refer to the Gila Bend Community Center for shelter and resources.