INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – Severe storms and historic flooding have claimed the lives of at least seven individuals in Indiana. Several days of intense rainfall caused rivers to overflow their banks, leading to damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure. State public safety officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday as floodwaters receded in multiple communities heavily impacted by the deluge. The weather system that triggered the flooding began on August 11, bringing repeated heavy rain across central and southern Indiana.
According to state emergency authorities, the fatalities included a 4-year-old boy, three men, and three women. The casualties were spread across Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County reported two deaths, while each of the remaining counties saw one. Among those confirmed Sunday was a 31-year-old cyclist, found in a collapsed section of road caused by flooding in Henry County.
The National Weather Service reported that some regions received over a foot of rain during this multi-day weather event. The White River reached historic levels not seen in more than a century. Record river crests were registered in Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing those set in 1913, while Nora experienced its highest level since that year. City officials in Indianapolis described this flooding as the most severe in over three decades.
Floodwaters prompt evacuations statewide in Indiana
Emergency responders carried out hundreds of evacuations as rising waters flooded neighborhoods and blocked roads across the state. Boats were employed by first responders to rescue residents trapped by rapidly advancing floodwaters. In Noblesville, authorities reported approximately 170 residents evacuated within a 72-hour span, with more than 550 residences affected by flooding. Indianapolis responded by opening emergency shelters while crews performed water rescues and monitored affected neighborhoods along the White River.
The storms also caused widespread power outages. As of late Sunday, nearly 130,000 utility customers remained without electricity, a decrease from a peak of about 300,000 during the worst of the weather. Floodwaters damaged or washed out roads and impacted bridges across multiple communities. After the White River peaked and began to recede, Indianapolis reopened its floodgates. Local authorities continued inspecting neighborhoods, infrastructure, and properties impacted by the floods.
Federal support activated following statewide emergency declaration
Governor Mike Braun officially declared a statewide disaster emergency and mobilized additional resources to assist in the response to the severe weather. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration after Indiana requested federal aid. This authorization enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support state, tribal, and local efforts. Emergency aid is allocated for actions necessary to safeguard lives, public health, safety, and property within storm-affected regions.
By the end of Sunday, river levels had improved from their peak, yet flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal weather officials noted that major flooding along the White River had decreased to a moderate flood stage. However, water levels still exceeded flood thresholds at multiple monitoring sites, including areas near Indianapolis. As residents began returning to their homes and communities, damage assessments continued, with efforts focusing on flooded structures, damaged roads, and storm debris cleanup.