INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – Severe storms and historic flooding have resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals across Indiana. Continuous heavy rainfall led to rivers overflowing their banks, damaging roads, homes, and other critical infrastructure. The state’s public safety officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday as floodwaters started receding in several of the hardest-hit communities. These storms, which began on August 11, brought multiple rounds of intense rain across central and southern Indiana.
Among the victims were a 4-year-old boy, three men, and three women, according to officials from the emergency management agencies. The fatalities occurred in Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County reported two deaths, with each of the other counties recording one. A 31-year-old cyclist was among the most recent victims confirmed on Sunday, with authorities discovering him on a collapsed section of road during flooding in Henry County.
According to the National Weather Service, some regions experienced rainfall exceeding a foot during the several days of severe weather. The White River rose to levels not observed in over a century. Anderson and Noblesville both set new record crests, surpassing those established in 1913. At Nora, the river reached its highest point since that year. Officials in Indianapolis described the flooding as the worst in more than 30 years for the city.
Floodwaters Break Records, Forcing Evacuations Throughout Indiana
Flood response teams carried out hundreds of evacuations as neighborhoods flooded and roads became impassable across the state. Emergency responders utilized boats to rescue residents stranded by the rapidly rising waters. In Noblesville, authorities reported that approximately 170 residents evacuated over a span of 72 hours, with more than 550 residential units experiencing flood damage. Indianapolis also set up emergency shelters while teams performed water rescues and monitored neighborhoods along the White River.
Power outages affected nearly 130,000 utility customers by late Sunday, a significant decrease from the peak of around 300,000 during the storm. Floodwaters damaged or washed out roads and impacted bridges in multiple communities. After the White River peaked and began to fall, Indianapolis reopened its floodgates Sunday. Local officials persisted in inspecting neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and properties impacted by the flooding.
Federal Support Activated Following Statewide Disaster Declaration
Governor Mike Braun declared a disaster emergency for the entire state and deployed additional resources to respond to the severe weather. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration after Indiana requested federal aid. This declaration enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in state, tribal, and local response efforts, including work to safeguard lives, public health, safety, and property in storm-affected areas.
By the end of Sunday, river conditions had improved from their peak levels, yet flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal weather officials reported that the White River had receded from major flood stage to moderate levels. Nonetheless, water remained above flood thresholds at several monitoring points, including locations near Indianapolis. State and local authorities continued damage assessments as residents returned to their neighborhoods and communities dealt with damaged structures, blocked roads, and storm debris.
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