During a monsoon storm, the town experienced heavy flooding, causing homes to be damaged or washed away by the floodwaters. The turmoil has been exacerbated by reports of gas leaks and mudslides.

More than two dozen swift-water rescues had occurred, according to Mayor Lynn Crawford, and several bridges were submerged. While emergency personnel resumed their search, many were still missing.

Seasonal monsoon storms, which occur from late June to early September and can bring with them unexpected downpours and swift-moving flash floods, were implicated in the flooding.

Crawford described Tuesday’s event as one of the worst he had seen, compounding what he called a catastrophic stretch for the town. “Last year we had a bad one or two, but this one was right there with it,” he noted.

There were reports of animals and people being killed in the flooding, as well as several persons