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Arizona flash flood: Deadly deluge hits Payson swimmers Arizona flash flood: Nine dead as deluge hits swimmers
(about 7 hours later)
A deadly flash flood sparked by monsoon-like rains has swept through a swimming hole in the US state of Arizona, killing at least eight people. At least nine people have been killed in flash floods after monsoon-like rains swept through a swimming hole in the US state of Arizona, officials say.
At least two of those who died were children, according to reports in local media. Among those who died were children, including a two-year-old. One man is still missing, local media report.
A search operation is under way for people who are still missing. More than 100 people were bathing in the area when the floodwaters hit with almost no warning.
The flash flood occurred at Cold Springs, near Payson, on Saturday afternoon, sweeping people down East Verde River. The flash flood occurred at Cold Springs, near Payson, on Saturday, sweeping people down East Verde River.
"A large family group was down by the river recreating," said Sergeant David Horning from the Gila County sheriff's office. Dozens were bathing in the East Verde river in Tonto National Forest, about 90m (145km) north of Phoenix, when the floodwaters hit following a torrential downpour upstream, said Sgt David Hornung from the Gila County sheriff's office.
"It's a recreation area that a lot of people come up to - and the flash flood came through and washed 14 people away from the camp." "A large family group was down by the river recreating... It's a recreation area that a lot of people come up to - and the flash flood came through and washed 14 people away from the camp," Sgt Hornung said.
"I've been with the Sheriff's office for 13 years and this is the most severe flooding incident we've ever seen," he added.
Video footage posted on social media shows muddy floodwaters gushing over rocks and through deep canyons.
The Payson Fire Department said that multiple forest fires in recent months had created piles of debris that burst down a creek and through the swimming hole.The Payson Fire Department said that multiple forest fires in recent months had created piles of debris that burst down a creek and through the swimming hole.
But it was not raining in the area where people were swimming. However, it had not been raining in the area where people were swimming.
At least four people have been rescued from the water and treated for hypothermia. At least four people were rescued from the water by helicopter crews. They were treated for hypothermia and later released from hospital.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood alert for much of Arizona until Monday evening, with more storms expected in the middle of next week.The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood alert for much of Arizona until Monday evening, with more storms expected in the middle of next week.