Historic Midwest Flooding Kills at Least 6 in Indiana, Record Rainfall Forces Federal Disaster Response
Severe thunderstorms and a derecho dumped over 11 inches of rain across Indiana in three days starting August 11, triggering devastating flooding that killed at least six people and left hundreds evacuated. Indianapolis experienced its worst flooding in over 30 years, with the White River peaking Sunday morning and over 128,000 people without power.
Catastrophic Flooding Sweeps Through Indiana
Days of storms and flooding in Indiana left at least six people dead as floodwaters peaked in Indianapolis' White River and rain was expected to ease in the state capital region and other parts of the state Sunday. A 4-year-old boy, two men and three women were among those who had died since the storms began Aug. 11.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Damage
Some parts of the state received more than 11 inches of rainfall over three days, beginning Aug. 11, according to a preliminary report issued by the National Weather Service. In Anderson, the White River beat the record set in 1913, rising to 24.9 ft (7.6 m). Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett on Saturday said on social media that the city is experiencing "its most severe flooding in 30+ years. More than 128,000 people across the state were without power as of Sunday afternoon, according to NIPSCO, the local power company.
Federal Response and Evacuations
President Donald Trump on Saturday approved Braun's request for federal disaster assistance to help with flooding response and recovery efforts. Gov. Mike Braun's office said more than 350 evacuations and scores of rescue and welfare checks have occurred elsewhere in the state, including at a senior mobile home community north of Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Fire Department reported 95 people and 45 pets were rescued as well.
Community Response and Ongoing Threats
On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered at a volleyball court in Rocky Ripple, a town northwest of Indianapolis, with shovels and sandbags to help reinforce the town's levee. Thunderstorms are expected to move across central Indiana late Sunday evening and could cause additional flooding in areas already impacted by the storms, according to the National Weather Service. In addition to the deluge of rain, parts of Indiana have also endured periodic tornadoes and a derecho over the past several days.