Indiana faced severe weather conditions this week, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals and widespread flooding. First responders carried out water rescues on Saturday in Indianapolis neighborhoods along the White River.
Heavy rains over the past week caused rivers to overflow, placing many residents in danger. Numerous counties declared local disasters, particularly those along river corridors from Hamilton County to the northern suburbs of Indianapolis.
In Delaware County, sheriff deputies discovered the body of a 58-year-old woman believed to have perished while attempting to drive through floodwaters. Additionally, a teen reported missing on Wednesday was found dead after jumping into a river. Earlier, a 4-year-old boy tragically lost his life when a tree collapsed on his home in Jennings County.
Governor Mike Braun expressed condolences, stating, “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.” He urged the public to remain cautious around floodwaters.
Governor Braun revealed that President Donald Trump plans to approve federal aid for flood response and recovery efforts. Indiana’s severe flooding, the worst in over three decades, prompted Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to advise residents along the White River to evacuate.
Jacob Spence, Marion County Emergency Management Director, described the floods as unprecedented. More than 11 inches of rain fell within two days, and the White River reached levels over 24 feet in places like Anderson and Noblesville.
The National Weather Service maintained flash-flood warnings on Saturday, with expectations of the river cresting in Indianapolis that evening. The National Guard joined the rescue operations, and Rita Reith from the Indianapolis Fire Department reported 91 people and 45 pets rescued by early afternoon.
Authorities estimated around 400 people voluntarily evacuated parts of northern Indianapolis. The governor’s office reported over 350 evacuations in Delaware County, with evacuations also occurring in a senior mobile home community in Tipton County. Rescues continued in Fayette County as well.
Residents shared videos online depicting stranded vehicles, toppled power poles, and flooded streets. Earlier storms causing tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding impacted other Midwestern areas from Chicago to western Pennsylvania.
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