Deadly Indiana Flooding
Indiana Floods Kill 5 as White River Hits Record Crest, Federal Aid Sought
At least five people have died from flooding across Indiana this week, as more than 90 residents and their pets were rescued from rising waters along the White River in Indianapolis. 1011now reported that emergency crews used boats and high-water vehicles to pull 91 people and 45 pets to safety along the river corridor.
The flooding followed a devastating storm system that dropped more than 11 inches of rain in 48 hours in some areas. The White River crested at nearly 25 feet in Anderson and nearly 24 feet in Noblesville — breaking records set during the catastrophic Great Flood of 1913. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has asked President Trump for a federal emergency declaration to unlock disaster funding.
A Storm System Breaks 113-Year-Old Flood Records
The crisis began August 11 with a powerful derecho — a fast-moving band of straight-line winds — tearing through Indiana at up to 99 mph. It was followed by days of heavy rain. New Castle recorded 11.23 inches of rainfall in just 31 hours. AccuWeather called it a "1-in-1,000-year rainfall" event.
The White River at Anderson crested at 24.93 feet on Friday — well above the previous record of 23.60 feet set in March 1913. The Noblesville gauge crested at 23.96 feet, topping the 1913 record of 23.80 feet. Marion County Emergency Management Director Jacob Spence called it "one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods."
Five Confirmed Dead, Including a 4-Year-Old and a College-Bound Teen
The five confirmed deaths span several counties and causes. In Portage, a home explosion and fire killed one resident. In Gary, flying roofing material struck and killed another person. In Jennings County, a tree fell on a home and killed a four-year-old boy in a back bedroom.
In Delaware County, deputies found 58-year-old Stephanie Sallee and her dog dead in a flooded cornfield after floodwaters swept away her vehicle. Matthew Morey, an 18-year-old incoming Purdue freshman, went missing after jumping into the swollen Mississinewa River. His body was recovered Saturday, ending a multi-day search. kltv reported the flooding is centered along the river corridor from Hamilton County into northern Indianapolis suburbs.
Governor Braun Mobilizes Guard, Seeks Federal Emergency Funds
Gov. Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency on August 13 and deployed the Indiana National Guard to Gary, Munster, and Hobart. He said, "Our state response is fully mobilized, resources are moving where they're needed." Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett also declared a local emergency in Marion County.
On Saturday afternoon, Braun announced that President Trump verbally committed to approving an emergency declaration. Senator Jim Banks backed the move, saying he asked FEMA and the Trump administration "to honor" the governor's request. A presidential emergency declaration would free up federal funds for rescue, debris removal, and infrastructure repairs. azfamily reported that public works director Todd Wilson warned residents: "The water is still rising, so heed the warnings."
Roads Closed, Homes Destroyed, Residents Frustrated and Displaced
The flooding swamped campgrounds, mobile home parks, and low-lying neighborhoods along the White River. Multiple roads and bridges remain closed. The Yorktown Public Library was heavily flooded. One Anderson resident had spent a full year rebuilding his home before floodwaters submerged it again.
Some residents are angry about where help was sent first. Portage locals noted the National Guard went to Gary and Hobart but skipped their city. Rebuilding costs across Indiana are expected to run into the tens of millions of dollars. The state's long-term recovery depends on whether the emergency declaration is upgraded to a full major disaster declaration — which would cover up to 75% of repair costs for roads, bridges, and flood-control facilities. wmbfnews noted the flooding marks an unprecedented event for central Indiana.
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