Deaths reported in Texas and Arizona after rains

TEXAS – The rains of recent days were deadly for Texas and Arizona, as at least four people died and dozens more were seriously damaged in their homes, while in New Mexico evacuation ordinances were issued in some areas.

For these reasons, the governors of Arizona and New Mexico issued disaster declarations to help the victims.

During the last few days in these regions there have been rains, but those registered at the weekend were tragic and harmful for many families.

In Arizona, at least two people are reported dead in the Gila Bend area, this after monsoon rains devastated the valley overnight on the weekend.

One of the victims was a 50-year-old woman named Blanca Ruiz, who was dragged to the bottom of the river, according to information provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

The other victim was identified as Jesus Perez, who was in his vehicle when the flood washed him away and left his car with the tires on top, for which he died.

During the weekend the rescue bodies helped save 30 people, who were on the roofs of their houses, since it was the only shelter they found when they saw their homes flooded by the monsoon.

It was also reported that a woman was on top of her car and hugging her dog, both were rescued and taken to safety.

Due to these events, the Governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey, issued an emergency declaration for the city of Gila Bend.

Through his social networks, Ducey informed that US $ 200,000 will be donated to help with the efforts and recovery of the city.

Since Saturday afternoon, the town of Gila Bend, located in Maricopa County in Arizona, announced the city’s declaration for a state of emergency and requested the support of the American Red Cross, in addition to a response from the Maricopa County.

As for Texas, in the city of El Paso the fatalities occurred last week, when a 65-year-old woman and her 2-year-old granddaughter were killed by the rains.

The El Paso Police Department reported that an elderly woman died at her home, located in the downtown area, after a wall collapsed due to the rains and trapped her, while her two-year-old granddaughter was with serious injuries and was transferred to the emergency room; hours later the minor died from the injuries.

Reports indicate that two other people, a 78-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, were injured and although neighbors tried to rescue them, they were unable to save them.

The weekend also left damage to the city due to the rains, as broken pipes were reported in the western area, so workers had to go to repair the damage.

In the case of New Mexico, Governor Michelle Luján Grisham signed an emergency declaration for Doña Ana County on Monday, and for this, US $ 1 million was released to help with damages.

In fact, on Sunday afternoon an order was sent forcing La Unión residents to evacuate their homes, due to the heavy rainfall that was expected.

Funds from this declaration will go to local agencies to help rehabilitate communities that were heavily affected by rainfall and flooding.