INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – At least seven fatalities have been reported following intense storms and unprecedented flooding across Indiana. Consecutive days of substantial rainfall caused rivers to overflow and inflicted damage on roads, residences, and infrastructure. State emergency officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday as floodwaters started receding in several severely affected communities. The weather events began on August 11, bringing persistent heavy rain across central and southern Indiana.
According to state emergency authorities, the victims included a 4-year-old boy, three men, and three women. The fatalities occurred in Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County experienced two deaths, while the remaining counties each reported one. Among the most recent victims confirmed on Sunday was a 31-year-old cyclist, whose body was discovered in a section of roadway that had collapsed during the flooding in Henry County.
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 more than a century. Both Anderson and Noblesville set new river crests surpassing those recorded in 1913, while Nora saw its highest water level since that year. Indianapolis officials described the flooding as the city’s most severe in over three decades.
Historic floodwaters prompt evacuations across Indiana
Rescue teams carried out hundreds of evacuations as rising water inundated neighborhoods and led to road closures across the state. Emergency responders utilized boats to reach residents stranded by swiftly advancing floodwaters. In Noblesville, authorities reported that around 170 residents evacuated within a 72-hour span. Over 550 residential units in the area experienced flood damage. Indianapolis also established emergency shelters while teams conducted water rescues and monitored neighborhoods along the White River.
The storms additionally caused widespread power outages throughout Indiana. Nearly 130,000 utility customers were still without electricity late Sunday, a reduction from the peak of approximately 300,000 affected during the severe weather. Floodwaters damaged or washed away roads and impacted bridges in multiple communities. Indianapolis reopened city floodgates on Sunday after the White River reached its peak and began receding. Local officials persisted in inspecting neighborhoods, infrastructure, and properties impacted by the flooding.
Federal aid activated following state of emergency declaration
Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency and deployed additional resources to respond to the severe weather. President Donald Trump authorized an emergency declaration after Indiana requested federal assistance. This declaration enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support responses at the state, tribal, and local levels. Emergency aid covers actions needed to safeguard lives, public health, safety, and property within storm- and flood-affected zones.
By late Sunday, conditions along the rivers had improved from their highest points, yet flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal meteorologists reported that major flooding along the White River had diminished to a moderate flood stage. Nonetheless, water levels remained above flood thresholds at several monitoring sites, including locations near Indianapolis. State and local teams continued damage assessments as residents returned to affected areas and communities dealt with flooded structures, damaged roads, and widespread storm debris.