The response to the storm on August 11 in Northwest Indiana demonstrated the importance of partnership at different government levels, said Indiana Gov. Mike Braun during a press conference at the American Red Cross emergency shelter located at Gary’s Hudson Campbell Sports and Fitness Center.
“I’m extremely proud of first responders and local governments,” Braun stated. “They are the first to reach out during such events. We haven’t experienced an event of this magnitude in a century.” The event has left hundreds of thousands without power, prompting extensive recovery efforts.
Messiah Neal, a one-year-old, played before the press conference aimed at addressing ongoing state and federal storm recovery at the Hudson Campbell Sports and Fitness Center. Neal has stayed at the center since the early August storms.
Officials including Braun, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton, and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton provided updates on recovery progress nearly three weeks after the derecho hit. They also assessed flood damage in Carmel and Connersville.
Gary has been heavily impacted, with tens of thousands without power for two weeks. Some residents still lack electricity due to damaged weatherheads, protective devices on wires. Melton noted assistance from the Legacy Foundation for replacing weatherheads.
Gov. Mike Braun engaged with Red Cross members following the press conference. Andi Stewart from South Carolina and Nguyet Chau from Philadelphia joined the efforts in Gary.
NIPSCO’s website reported 59 residents in Gary still without power, and a total of 159 customers across the region. Mayor Melton expressed concerns about NIPSCO’s response and urged improvements for reliable energy sources.
“Residents have been without consistent power for over two weeks,” Melton emphasized. He backed the governor’s call for an investigation into the response.
President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration providing additional resources. Braun appreciated the quick approval, attributing it to a strong relationship with the federal government. Hamilton said the approval might have taken longer without this collaboration.
Hamilton praised the community’s resilience and partners helping with food distribution and FEMA registration. He encouraged locals affected by the storm to contact FEMA at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362 for help. Intake centers operate throughout Lake County for direct assistance.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan praised bipartisan support at all government levels. “In times of major disaster, unified efforts are crucial,” Mrvan stated.
The Hudson Campbell center serves as the largest emergency shelter in Indiana with 109 occupants. The Red Cross offers services at six locations across the state, accommodating a total of 179 people. The organization commits to providing ongoing support.
Crystal L. Franklin and Michele Taylor have received aid from the Red Cross after losing their homes. Initially sheltered at the YMCA, they relocated to the Hudson Campbell center. They plan to work with the Red Cross for housing solutions and expressed gratitude for support from volunteers and officials, especially Mayor Melton.
“Mayor Melton shows genuine care for the city,” Taylor remarked.
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