Deadly Storms and Flooding in Indiana

At least six fatalities have been reported in Indiana due to severe storms and flooding, according to local authorities.

The storms began on August 11, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 90 to 160 mph in northern Indiana. Over a span of two days, nearly a foot of rain was recorded across central Indiana by the National Weather Service (NWS).

On August 13, Governor Mike Braun declared a state of disaster for the entire state as life-threatening storms ravaged the area. First responders employed boats to assist stranded individuals as floodwaters continued to rise.

On Sunday, authorities mentioned that the death toll had risen to at least six, which included a four-year-old child, along with two men and three women.

“The state saw it coming, but it was a bigger event than anyone expected,” Braun stated on Friday.

Reports indicate that the heavy rainfall caused the White River in Indianapolis to exceed 24 feet above its normal level, surpassing the previous record of 23.6 feet set in March 1913.

The White River is anticipated to remain elevated for several hours before it starts to go down, as per the city’s Department of Public Works.

Evacuation centers in the area are currently operational as widespread flooding damages roads and key bridges throughout the region.

During a news conference on Sunday, officials announced that the Hazel Dell Parkway, a vital multi-lane route in Hamilton County, had collapsed due to the flooding. Engineers are now evaluating the bridge to see if repairs are feasible.

According to PowerOutage.us, around 130,000 utility customers in Indiana were without power by midday Sunday, a decrease from a peak of about 300,000.