At least five people have died in Indiana due to severe flooding as heavy rains have wreaked havoc across the state. First responders in Indianapolis have launched extensive rescue operations to save more people from rising waters, particularly in neighborhoods along the White River.
Gov. Mike Braun announced that President Donald Trump plans to approve a request for federal assistance to aid in both the response and recovery efforts. Braun expressed his sympathies for those who lost loved ones and emphasized the importance of avoiding floodwaters.
On Saturday, over 90 individuals and their pets were rescued by authorities as waters rose in Indianapolis and surrounding areas, marking what many describe as historic flooding. The most affected regions lie along the river corridor from Hamilton County to the northern suburbs of Indianapolis. In Delaware County, a 58-year-old woman tragically died when she attempted to drive through floodwaters.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, alongside emergency managers, urged residents along the river to evacuate. He had previously declared a local emergency as central Indiana faced swelling creeks and streams. Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, referred to this flood as unprecedented, saying it set new records.
The National Weather Service reported over 11 inches of rainfall in some areas within two days. The White River reached over 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records from 1913. Flash-flood warnings and watches were prevalent across central Indiana, with more rain expected.
In Warren County, two inches of rain fell within six hours, and the White River was expected to crest by Saturday evening in the Indianapolis area, where National Guard vehicles assisted in rescue efforts. Rita Reith from the Indianapolis Fire Department reported 91 people and 45 pets rescued, urging residents to heed warnings as waters continued to rise.
Social media displayed numerous videos of vehicles submerged, power poles knocked down by rushing waters, and flooded roads. Earlier severe storms across the Midwest caused further tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash flooding, affecting regions from Chicago to western Pennsylvania.
As flooding continues to challenge Indiana, the significance of a free press remains emphasized as essential to maintaining a healthy democracy.