Arizona Leaders Push for Federal Aid After Devastating Floods

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Arizona's congressional delegation is coming together across party lines to help communities recover from catastrophic flooding that hit the state in late September.

Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Greg Stanton, Eli Crane, and David Schweikert, along with Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting quick approval of Governor Katie Hobbs' request for a Major Disaster Declaration.

Between September 25 and 27, 2025, severe monsoon storms dumped 6 to 10 inches of rain on parts of Arizona within just 48 hours.

The rainfall triggered flash floods and debris that caused widespread destruction across Gila and Mohave Counties, particularly in Fort Mohave, Oatman, and Meadview.

"Entire neighborhoods were inundated, roads became impassable, bridges were washed out, families were displaced, and hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged," the lawmakers emphasized.

The Damage

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state officials, and local authorities assessed the damage and found that 312 homes were damaged, including 64 destroyed, 89 with significant damage, and 159 with minor damage.

More than 180 residents needed emergency shelter, and about 74 households had no insurance coverage. Major roadways were damaged, including portions of U.S. Highway 60 and State Route 77. Total estimated losses reached $33.6 million.

Emergency crews coordinated rescue operations, stabilized dangerous slopes, cleared debris, and temporarily restored utilities.

Governor Katie Hobbs declared a State of Emergency for Gila County on September 27, and Mohave County's Board of Supervisors ratified their own Declaration of Flood Emergency on October 6.

The lawmakers urged swift action: "Mr. President, we respectfully request your swift consideration and approval of this designation."

A federal disaster declaration would provide crucial funding to help families rebuild homes, repair infrastructure, and support long-term recovery efforts in the affected counties.

The request now awaits President Trump's decision.

Ericka Piñon

Ericka Pinon is a state and federal reporter for Cactus Politics. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is currently studying Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.