INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – In Indiana, at least seven fatalities have been reported following intense storms and unprecedented flooding. The region experienced multiple days of heavy rainfall that caused rivers to overflow their banks and led to widespread damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure. State emergency officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday, as floodwaters began to recede in several communities heavily affected by the deluge. The storm event started on August 11 and brought successive waves of torrential rain across central and southern Indiana.
Among those who lost their lives were a 4-year-old boy, three men, and three women, as detailed by state emergency authorities. The fatalities occurred in Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County reported two deaths, while each of the other counties registered one. Additionally, a 31-year-old cyclist was among the most recent victims confirmed on Sunday; he was found in a section of road that had collapsed during flooding in Henry County.
The National Weather Service indicated that some regions received over a foot of rain during this multi-day weather event. The White River reached levels not observed in over a century, with Anderson and Noblesville setting new river crest records surpassing those from 1913. Nora also saw its highest river level since that year. Officials in Indianapolis described the flooding as the most severe in more than 30 years for the city.
Floodwaters Break Records, Forcing Evacuations Across Indiana
Responders carried out hundreds of evacuations as neighborhoods flooded and roads across the state became impassable. Emergency teams used boats to rescue residents trapped by rapidly rising waters. In Noblesville, officials reported approximately 170 residents evacuated over a 72-hour period. More than 550 homes experienced flood damage. Indianapolis set up emergency shelters, with crews conducting water rescues and monitoring neighborhoods along the White River.
Power outages were widespread due to the storms, with nearly 130,000 utility customers still without electricity late Sunday, a decrease from the peak of roughly 300,000 during the worst of the weather. Floodwaters caused road washouts and damaged bridges in multiple communities. By Sunday, Indianapolis reopened city floodgates after the White River peaked and began to decline. Authorities continued inspecting affected neighborhoods, infrastructure, and properties impacted by the flooding.
Federal Support Activated Following Statewide Emergency Declaration
Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency and allocated additional resources to respond to the severe weather event. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration following Indiana’s request for federal assistance. This allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support state, tribal, and local efforts in response. The aid covers necessary work to safeguard lives, public health, safety, and property in storm- and flood-affected zones.
By late Sunday, river conditions showed signs of improvement from their peak levels, yet flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal meteorologists reported that major flooding along the White River had decreased to moderate flood stage. Water levels remained above flood thresholds at several monitoring sites, including locations near Indianapolis. Damage assessments continued as residents returned to affected areas and communities managed flooded structures, damaged roads, and extensive storm debris.