At least five individuals have lost their lives due to severe storms and flooding in Indiana this week. Officials reported on Saturday that rescue operations were ongoing in areas along the White River in Indianapolis, with boats in use to help evacuate those affected by rising waters.
Heavy rainfall over the past week has led to record river levels, prompting many residents to seek higher ground for safety.
Several counties—more than a dozen—have officially declared local disasters, with much of the recent damage focused along the river, stretching from Hamilton County to the northern suburbs of Indianapolis.
In response to the crisis, President Trump has approved a state of emergency for Indiana, allowing the state to access federal disaster aid, as announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Saturday.
Residents evacuate as water level rises
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett noted that the city is facing its most significant flooding in over three decades and emphasized the rapidly evolving situation.
Hundreds of homes in neighborhoods between the river and a nearby canal were evacuated while first responders utilized boats to rescue stranded individuals.
By late afternoon, 95 people and 45 pets had been rescued, according to Indianapolis Fire Department spokesperson Rita Reese. Dispatchers have been overwhelmed with hundreds of service calls throughout the day.
The governor’s office reported at least 350 evacuations in Delaware County, along with a senior mobile home community in Tipton County also being evacuated. Additionally, rescue and welfare checks were conducted in Fayette County.
Indiana officials confirmed the deaths of five individuals as a result of the severe weather, including a boy who died when a tree fell on his home, a woman swept away after driving into floodwater, and a boy who went missing after jumping into a river.
“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the five Hoosiers we lost, and to everyone whose lives have changed due to this storm,” said Indiana Governor Mike Brown in a statement. He urged residents to take flooding seriously and avoid any floodwaters.
Rivers and streams swell after several days of rain
Marion County Emergency Management Director Jacob Spence described the flooding as a “once-in-a-lifetime” event.
“This is an unprecedented situation, and we will likely be setting new records,” he told The Associated Press.
The National Weather Service reported that some areas received over 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain within just two days. Water levels in the White River surpassed 24 feet (7.32 meters) in communities like Anderson and Noblesville, eclipsing the previous record from 1913.
While some flooding has begun to recede north of Indianapolis, flash flood warnings and watches remain active for parts of central Indiana. Forecasters expect the White River to reach its peak in the Indianapolis area on Saturday night, with the National Guard assisting in rescue operations.
Earlier this week, severe storms impacted other Midwestern states, bringing tornadoes, intense rain, and flash flooding. Damages have been reported from the Chicago area all the way to western Pennsylvania, leaving some Indiana residents without power.
Cleaning upstream area begins
Residents shared videos on social media that showcased submerged homes, stranded vehicles, toppled power poles, and washed-away roads.
While clouds hung ominously over Noblesville on Saturday morning, the river had already reached historic heights the night before, flooding homes, parking lots, and cornfields.
Interestingly, Potter’s Bridge, the community’s historic covered bridge, remained intact.
“It’s unbelievable for all of us,” remarked Matt Daudt, a city photographer who was out documenting the aftermath. He noted the grassy area that usually hosts farmers’ markets and concerts was barely visible beneath the water’s surface—along with new monuments and flowerbeds recently installed by the city.
Daudt mentioned that though Noblesville hasn’t seen much rain in recent days, the flooding stemmed from heavy rainfall upstream, which ultimately flowed down into Noblesville and Indianapolis.
Yet, despite the chaos, Daudt and others are expressing gratitude.
“We’ve been through a lot. Thankfully, no lives were lost, everyone was rescued, and our city is taking excellent care of its residents,” he concluded.
