In the small town of Globe, a place already familiar with the devastation of floods, residents are once again grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding. For Beth McCreary, the memories of her childhood flood experience came rushing back as she witnessed history repeat itself with her granddaughter’s cars being swept away in the same manner as her father’s truck over seven decades ago.
“It’s just overwhelming,” said McCreary, now 75 years old, reflecting on the recent events. Despite the tragic loss of three lives and the destruction left behind, the spirit of resilience in the community is palpable as locals come together to restore what was lost.
McCreary observed the differences in community response over the years, stating, “In the 1954 flood, people didn’t come around like they did this time. It’s overwhelming and absolutely wonderful.”
Two weeks after the initial flash flood, the Salvation Army set up a relief station at the fairgrounds, offering essentials such as food, water, and hygiene products to the affected residents. Volunteers welcomed community members with open arms, providing much-needed support in a time of crisis.
Following the heavy rains brought by Hurricane Priscilla, the city’s water infrastructure suffered significant damage, prompting the Globe Water Department and Gila County Public Health and Community Services to issue a boiling notice for all water intended for consumption and domestic use.
The Salvation Army, under the leadership of Lt. Loren Philpot and Capt. Perfecta Weeden, spearheaded the relief efforts. “People have lost so much that they just have so many needs and now they have a safe space to come be able to get what they need,” said Philpot, who grew up in Globe. The lieutenant expressed gratitude for the community’s support despite the adversity, saying, “It just brings joy to my heart.”
Among the many volunteers was Santana Lira, a Globe resident who has been tirelessly aiding her community since the disaster struck. Her family narrowly escaped the floods, abandoning their meal at Salinas’s Smoke Street to drive to safety. “If we waited any longer, we would’ve been stuck in it,” she recounted.
Lira’s parents, Joe and Séaneen, faced the heart-wrenching loss of their fully renovated home, lacking flood insurance to cover the damage. As Lira put it, “They have to start from scratch, down to the toilet and sink. Everything is just gone.”
The floods also destroyed Lira’s workplace, La Casita Cafe, a beloved local restaurant. The downtown area saw cars stacked within storefronts, and many businesses were condemned due to safety concerns.
Despite the hardship, Lira shares a sense of hope with McCreary, noting, “There’s lots to be sad about, but there’s more to be grateful for.” This sentiment resonates with Brenda Tyler, owner of the Globe Antique Mall, whose store was also hit hard by the flooding. “We’ve had people come in and spend all day with us, washing, packing, sweeping. It’s just been exceptional,” she said.
While the road to recovery is long, with some steps hindered by the lack of flood insurance, the community remains hopeful. The U.S. Small Business Administration has stepped in to offer low-interest disaster loans, and efforts are underway to secure FEMA and DEMA funds, as stated by Mayor Al Gameros. “The past two weeks have been an emotional and physical rollercoaster for our city and our entire community,” Gameros remarked. “We hope and pray that the worst is finally behind us.”
As residents like Michelle Sallows, Tyler’s daughter, acknowledge, rebuilding will take time. “Everything has to be done in steps, and it’s slow,” she said. “We can’t snap our fingers and everything be done.”
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