GLOBE, Ariz. (AP) — Heavy rain led to the tragic loss of four lives due to flooding in Arizona, with three victims found in a historic 19th-century mining town. The flooding, which occurred on Friday, forced some to seek refuge on rooftops and resulted in the destruction of a propane distributorship, distributing approximately 1,000 tanks throughout the town.

Globe, a town home to around 7,250 residents and situated about 88 miles east of Phoenix, experienced 2.5 inches of rain over the course of 24 hours. As another storm hit on Saturday, the search for potential missing individuals had to be temporarily put on hold due to dangerously high water levels in creeks.

In the nearby mining community of Miami, streets were flooded on Saturday, yet no injuries were reported according to Carl Melford, the emergency manager for Gila County. Additionally, around 20 tourists who were stranded in certain areas of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, including the picturesque Havasu Falls, were safely evacuated as informed by Bureau of Indian Affairs dispatcher Shaileen Gonzales.

Tragically, in Globe, authorities discovered the bodies of two people inside a vehicle and another body within the floodwaters. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

Elsewhere, another fatality was reported on Saturday morning near Phoenix. A person was found dead near a vehicle that was caught in floodwaters the previous night. Initially observed as partially submerged in about 8 feet of swift-moving water within a greenbelt park area on Friday evening, the vehicle seemed empty. Following a slight drop in the water level overnight, rescue crews located a body trapped beneath a walkway bridge.

In Globe’s rural setting, known for being one of Arizona’s oldest mining towns, sheriff’s officials are investigating reports of individuals who may be missing. However, Melford was unable to confirm any specific numbers regarding missing persons.

“We now have a massive search and rescue underway,” he said.

Rain poured down and quickly flooded the downtown area Friday, Melford said. One of the first areas hit was a propane tank distributor, sending about 1,000 residential-size tanks throughout the community, he said.

“There’s propane tanks everywhere through downtown Globe,” he said, adding that hazmat workers have been sent to the scene. “Luckily none of them ignited or exploded.”

The area previously experienced flooding in 2021 after a wildfire, but it didn’t happen like this, Melford said. The city is near canyons that can funnel water from the mountains into the community very quickly.

“This was an extremely heavy amount of rain in an extremely short period of time,” he said.

Videos shared on social media show vehicles in Globe being swept away by rushing, muddy water, with some smashed up against poles and large propane tanks scattered around.

Authorities are asking residents to not go out searching in the floodwaters because search and rescue officials are accompanied by dogs who might pick up the scent of aspiring volunteers instead of possible flood victims. If people want to help, they should start by assisting friends and neighbors in need, Melford said.

Globe city council members declared an emergency, saying they have never seen anything like the flooding.

Scores of people have stepped up to volunteer, said Mayor Al Gameros, adding that many buildings in the community’s downtown have been damaged. Officials asked people to stay away from the area until they could ensure it is safe to go in there.

“Our primary, again, is search and rescue,” Gameros said Saturday.

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This story has updated to correct the spelling of Mayor Gameros’ last name.