Arizona declares statewide emergency due to extreme heat wave.
The Governor of Arizona Declares State of Emergency as Heat Wave Persists
The governor of Arizona has taken decisive action in response to the ongoing extreme heat in the state. On August 12, Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency to support local heat relief efforts in Maricopa, Coconino, and Pinal counties. These areas have experienced temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit for an unprecedented 30 consecutive days.
In addition to the state of emergency declaration, Governor Hobbs has opened two state-run cooling centers and heat relief facilities on Capitol Mall grounds. She has also proposed policy changes to enhance future heat resiliency. These measures aim to address the immediate impact of the heat wave and ensure the state is better prepared for similar events in the future.
Related Stories
“Extreme heat threatens our health. It can lead to illness, emergency room visits, and even loss of life,” stated Governor Hobbs. She emphasized her commitment to utilizing all available resources to ensure the safety of Arizonans during the recovery from this heat wave and future events. The governor’s office has provided a statement with more details.
Interestingly, just a day before declaring the state of emergency, Governor Hobbs had downplayed the urgency of such action. However, she made it clear that she would consider it if additional resources were needed. The governor’s office has faced criticism for their handling of the heat wave, but they remain focused on practical solutions rather than mere symbolism.
Maricopa County, the most populous county in Arizona, has been hit particularly hard by the heat wave. As of August 9, the county has reported 59 heat-related deaths, with an additional 345 cases under investigation. To address this crisis, the county’s human services department has partnered with cities and towns to provide funding for cooling and respite centers. They are also assisting individuals who cannot afford air conditioner repairs.
Weather forecasters predict that temperatures will remain above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the coming days, indicating that the death toll may continue to rise. Maricopa County’s morgue is already operating at 63 percent capacity, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
It is not just Arizona that is grappling with the devastating effects of extreme heat. Across the United States, more than 30 million people are living under heat warnings, and the rising death toll and hospital visits for heat-related injuries are a cause for concern. Other states, such as California and Texas, have also experienced significant heat-related deaths and illnesses.
As the state of emergency takes effect in Arizona, Governor Hobbs and her team are working tirelessly to protect the well-being of their citizens. By implementing cooling centers, proposing policy changes, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, they are taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of this heat wave and build resilience for the future.
Allan Stein contributed to this report.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...