News In Brief

Reagan declares Arizona federal disaster area

President Reagan declared Arizona a major disaster area Wednesday. Embittered flood victims complained of the way state authorities have handled the storm crisis that left 15 dead, thousands homeless, and caused damage estimated at about $300 million. Reagan's declaration will bring federal reconstruction funds to the state.

In Tucson, flood victims questioned why city and county officials had permitted residential development so close to desert washes that turned into torrents of flood water.