INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana has experienced devastating storms and flooding this week, with authorities confirming at least five fatalities due to the extreme weather. First responders are working tirelessly, utilizing boats to rescue individuals trapped in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis.
The state has faced heavy rainfall for several days, causing rivers to overflow and residents to seek higher ground. As a result, over a dozen counties have declared local disasters, with significant damage reported particularly along river corridors stretching from Hamilton County into the northern suburbs of Indianapolis.
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In Delaware County, deputies discovered the body of a 58-year-old woman who apparently drowned after attempting to drive through flooded streets. Additionally, the body of a teenager was recovered after they went missing while swimming in a river. Earlier in the week, a tragic incident claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy when a tree fell on his home in Jennings County.
“My heart is with the families and loved ones of the five Hoosiers we have lost and every family whose life has been changed by these storms,” said Governor Mike Braun in a statement. “Please continue to take flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters.”
Governor Braun also announced that President Donald Trump is expected to approve federal assistance to aid in recovery efforts.
During a press briefing, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and emergency managers urged residents along the White River to evacuate as the city faces its most severe flooding in over 30 years. Conditions are rapidly changing, and officials are concerned about the ongoing situation.
Jacob Spence, the director of Marion County Emergency Management, described the flooding as a once-in-a-lifetime event, stating, “This is an unprecedented event, and unfortunately we’re setting some new records.”
The National Weather Service reported that certain areas received over 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain within just two days. The White River, in particular, crested at more than 24 feet (7.32 meters) in communities like Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records set back in 1913.
As of Saturday, flash-flood warnings and watches remained active across central Indiana. Forecasters predict the White River will crest in the Indianapolis area, with National Guard vehicles aiding in rescue operations. The Indianapolis Fire Department reported that 91 individuals and 45 pets had been rescued by early afternoon.
“The water is still rising, so heed the warnings,” warned Todd Wilson, director of the city’s public works department.
Authorities estimate that around 400 people voluntarily evacuated from northern Indianapolis, while over 350 evacuations were reported in Delaware County. A senior mobile home community in Tipton County was also evacuated, and rescue operations were taking place in Fayette County.
Residents took to social media, sharing videos of stranded vehicles, toppled power poles, and flooded intersections.
This week, severe storms affected other areas of the Midwest, bringing tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash flooding, with damage reported from Chicago to western Pennsylvania.
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Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
