INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – Severe storms and unprecedented flooding have led to the deaths of at least seven individuals in Indiana. Extended periods of heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow their banks and caused extensive damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure. State public safety officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday as floodwaters started to recede in several severely impacted communities. The storm activity began on August 11 and involved multiple rounds of intense rain across central and southern Indiana.
Among the deceased were a 4-year-old boy, three men, and three women, according to emergency officials. The fatalities occurred in Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County reported two deaths, while each of the other counties confirmed one. A 31-year-old cyclist was also among the latest casualties announced Sunday. Authorities discovered him 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 the multi-day weather event. The White River reached levels not seen in over a century. Anderson and Noblesville experienced new river crest levels that surpassed those recorded in 1913. At Nora, the river achieved its highest level since that year. City officials in Indianapolis described this flooding as the worst in more than three decades.
Historic flooding prompts evacuations across Indiana
Emergency responders carried out hundreds of evacuations as floodwaters surged into neighborhoods and led to road closures statewide. First responders utilized boats to rescue residents stranded by the rapidly rising waters. In Noblesville, officials reported approximately 170 residents evacuated over a 72-hour span. More than 550 residential units in the area experienced flood damage. Indianapolis also set up emergency shelters while teams conducted water rescues and monitored neighborhoods along the White River.
The storms also triggered widespread power outages throughout Indiana. Late Sunday, nearly 130,000 utility customers were still without electricity, a reduction from a peak of around 300,000 during the severe weather. Floodwaters damaged or washed out roads and impacted bridges in multiple communities. Indianapolis reopened its city floodgates Sunday after the White River crested and began to fall. Local authorities continued inspections of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and properties affected by the floods.
Federal aid activated in response to statewide emergency conditions
Governor Mike Braun declared a state-wide disaster emergency and deployed additional resources from the state during the severe weather response. President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration following Indiana’s request for assistance. This declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support state, tribal, and local agencies’ response efforts. The emergency aid covers work necessary to protect lives, public health, safety, and property across the impacted regions.
By late Sunday, river conditions had improved from their peak levels, though flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal meteorologists reported that major flooding along the White River had decreased to a moderate flood stage. Water levels remained above flood thresholds at several monitoring sites, including those near Indianapolis. State and local teams continued damage assessments as residents returned to affected areas. Communities grappled with flooded buildings, damaged roads, and extensive storm debris left in the wake of the severe weather.