Hayden Acres farm in San Tan Valley, Arizona, is clearing up after monsoon storms sent floodwater across the property, leaving horses and other animals in muddy fields while neighbours brought supplies and helped with the clean-up.
More than 2in of rain fell across the area, according to local reports, forcing workers to spend hours moving animals and pumping water away from the farm.
Joshua Hill, who runs the property with his wife Tiffany, said the land’s position means there are few places for the water to drain. Pumps have been used to shift the floodwater towards a nearby ditch as the family works to make the site safe again.
The flooding is understood to be the second consecutive year in which the property has suffered serious runoff. Hill said the latest incident was worse than last year and warned that further storms could bring more damage.
He has blamed blocked culverts and nearby construction for contributing to the problem. Pinal County officials have confirmed that construction is obstructing drainage through the culverts, while saying the area is now under San Tan Valley’s jurisdiction.
With the clean-up continuing, local residents have donated equipment, supplies and their time to help the farm recover and keep its animals safe.
