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Verde Valley Flooding Overwhelms Homes and Forces Evacuations

Rapid river and creek overflows from heavy rain forced dozens of water rescues, prompting a state emergency to direct recovery efforts.

Overview

  • Heavy localized rainfall caused the Verde River, Beaver Creek, and Oak Creek to crest quickly, sending water into neighborhoods and forcing mass evacuations on Sunday.
  • Local crews and sheriff’s deputies carried out more than 60 swift-water rescues to remove people and animals from rising waters across Yavapai County.
  • Beaver Creek in Camp Verde broke its banks and flooded more than 100 homes, leaving many properties ruined and areas unsafe for residents to return.
  • Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency and released $200,000 for affected communities while the American Red Cross opened shelters and urged people not to drive through floodwaters.
  • Officials are conducting safety checks as families begin limited returns, but saturated soils, altered channels, widespread damage, and low flood-insurance coverage mean recovery could take weeks to months and may require additional aid.