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“We were saying our last prayers at that point, because we were at God’s mercy.”: Globe Family Survives Flood in Their RV, Needs Help to Rebuild
Hours of rain turned a quiet creek into a violent current last week, catching many Globe, Arizona, residents off guard. Among them were Chip Gieger and his wife, who lived and worked in an RV parked close to the water. What began as an ordinary storm escalated so quickly that they found themselves trapped.
As the water surged, RVs around them broke free and were swept downstream. Their own home shifted, threatening to roll. Just as it started to tip, a tree wedged against the RV and kept it upright long enough for them to survive. Inside, they waited through terrifying hours, knowing the current outside was too strong to enter and that help might not reach them in time.
When Survival Means Starting Over
When the water finally receded, the Giegers were alive but faced devastation. Their RV, once home and workplace, was packed with thick mud and too damaged to live in safely. Their Jeep had been taken by the current. Furniture, keepsakes, and daily necessities were lost in a single night.
Insurance and disaster aid often fall short after floods of this scale. For this couple, rebuilding now means finding temporary housing and replacing nearly everything they owned. Friends have created a GoFundMe to help them recover. Anyone wishing to support them can donate here.
“Years of hard work and memories disappeared in hours,” the family wrote on the fundraiser. “We’ve always given to our community. Now we’re asking for help to begin again.”
A Disaster Felt Across Globe and Miami
The flooding didn’t stop with one RV park. Streets across the city of Globe and nearby Miami were torn apart. Propane tanks were scattered through neighborhoods, cars were swept into waterways, and debris was piled high. Local officials say the event ranks among the most severe floods the area has ever experienced.
At least three people were killed, and one person is still missing. Recovery crews continue removing wrecked vehicles, downed trees, and hazardous materials from the waterway. Propane leaks have added danger, and air monitoring remains in place as cleanup progresses.
Arizona’s Response and the Long Recovery Ahead
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency for Gila County, unlocking state resources for rescue and recovery. The National Guard has been authorized to step in if needed. Local leaders warn that rebuilding will be slow because the damage extends across homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Residents have been asked to stay away from flooded areas so search teams and cleanup crews can work safely. While state help is available, families who lost everything often need additional support just to secure housing and replace basic items.
How to Help the Gieger Family
For Chip and his wife, survival was only the beginning. They are now rebuilding life with little more than what they carried out of the flood. Their GoFundMe campaign is raising funds for temporary housing, replacing essentials, and starting fresh. Those who want to help can donate directly through their fundraiser.
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