A powerful storm system hit Indiana this week, resulting in at least five fatalities, according to state officials on Saturday. The severe weather has led to significant flooding, putting immense strain on emergency services throughout the state.
Governor Mike Braun announced communication with President Donald Trump regarding the storm. An expedited Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency declaration is underway.
“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,” Braun stated Saturday. He urged residents to take the flooding seriously and avoid floodwaters.
In Indianapolis, the Ravenwood neighborhood experienced submerged streets and homes. Cars were covered in murky floodwaters, and residents took to kayaks and rowboats to navigate their community, as captured in drone footage by NBC News.
The city did not experience the heaviest rainfall, but floodwaters traveled downstream, resulting in significant flooding. Braun reported that upstream areas received up to nearly 12 inches of rain. Over 90 individuals and their pets were rescued from rising waters along the White River in Indianapolis. Authorities termed the situation historic.
Extensive damage occurred along the river corridor from Hamilton County to the northern suburbs of Indianapolis. In Delaware County, deputies discovered the body of a 58-year-old woman, believed to have perished after attempting to drive through the flood.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, accompanied by emergency managers, urged river-adjacent residents to evacuate. On Friday, heavy rains led him to declare a local emergency as streams and creeks surged throughout central Indiana.
The Marion County Emergency Management director, Jacob Spence, described the flood as a “once-in-a-lifetime” event, setting unprecedented records.
The National Weather Service recorded over 11 inches of rain in some areas during the two-day span. The White River surpassed a century-old record, cresting over 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville.
Flash flood warnings were in effect across central Indiana on Saturday. Forecasters warned of additional showers and thunderstorms looming. In Warren County, 2 inches of rain fell over six hours.
On social media, residents shared videos of vehicles stranded in high waters, power poles downed by the floods, and flooded intersections across the region.
As of early afternoon, the Indianapolis Fire Department reported 91 rescues, including 45 pets, aided by the National Guard and other rescue teams.
The city’s public works director, Todd Wilson, emphasized ongoing concerns, stating, “The water is still rising, so heed the warnings.”
Earlier this week, the Midwest experienced severe storm events, including tornadoes and flash flooding, with damage reported from Chicago to western Pennsylvania.
Leave a Reply