At least five people have died in Indiana due to storms causing substantial flooding, as reported by Governor Mike Braun. The historic flooding has resulted in numerous rescues of residents and their pets along the White River in Indianapolis. Emergency management officials anticipate more rescues as teams continue to address the flood threats in central Indiana.
“This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods,” stated Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management. He described the flooding as unprecedented, mentioning newly set records. During a Saturday briefing, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, accompanied by emergency managers, urged residents near the river to evacuate. He had previously declared a local emergency due to heavy rains causing creeks and streams to swell.
Several rivers exceeded levels recorded over a century ago. An aerial view from August 15, 2026, in Noblesville, Indiana, revealed the extent of the flooding. Damage has been mainly concentrated along the river corridor from Hamilton County into northern Indianapolis suburbs. In Delaware County, deputies discovered the body of a 58-year-old woman who drowned attempting to drive through floodwaters.
“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,” Governor Braun stated. He urged residents to respect flood warnings and avoid floodwaters. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that authorities found 18-year-old Matthew Morey’s body, an incoming Purdue University freshman who disappeared after entering the Mississinewa River.
The Yorktown Public Library reported substantial flooding impacts, with footage showing about one foot of water inside the building. The library expressed heartbreak but confirmed that water had receded and efforts with a water mitigation company were underway.
Governor Braun communicated with President Trump, who approved an emergency declaration releasing up to $5 million in federal aid to support response and recovery following the record rainfall. Flash flood warnings cover central Indiana, with the National Weather Service alerting of ongoing showers and thunderstorms.
In Warren County, rain accumulation reached 2 inches within six hours. The White River crested nearly 25 feet in Anderson, surpassing a 1913 record. Authorities expected the river to reach peak levels in Indianapolis later Saturday, where National Guard vehicles assisted rescue operations. Approximately 70 individuals had been rescued by midday, according to Rita Reith from the Indianapolis Fire Department.
Todd Wilson, director of the city’s public works, advised residents to heed flood warnings due to rising water levels. Social media users shared videos of stranded vehicles, damaged infrastructure, and inundated intersections.
Earlier in the week, severe storms affected other Midwest areas, producing tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash floods. Damage extended from Chicago to western Pennsylvania.
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