INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – Severe storms and historic flooding in Indiana have resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals. Intense rainfall over several days caused rivers to swell beyond their banks, leading to widespread damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure. As floodwaters began to recede in some of the most affected areas, state public safety officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday. The storm system that triggered this flooding started on August 11, bringing repeated heavy rain across central and southern Indiana.
The fatalities included a 4-year-old boy, along with three men and three women, according to officials from the state emergency response. The fatalities were reported across Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County experienced two deaths, while each of the other counties reported one. Among the recent victims confirmed on Sunday was a 31-year-old cyclist found in a section of road that had collapsed amid the flooding in Henry County.
National Weather Service reported that some locations received over a foot of rain throughout the multi-day storm. The White River reached levels unseen in more than 100 years. Both Anderson and Noblesville set new record crests that exceeded those established in 1913, with Nora reaching its highest level since that year. Officials in Indianapolis described this flooding as the city’s most severe in over three decades.
Indiana faces historic flooding leading to mass evacuations
Emergency responders carried out hundreds of evacuations as floodwaters inundated neighborhoods and closed roads statewide. Rescuers used boats to reach residents stranded by the rapidly rising waters. In Noblesville, officials reported roughly 170 residents evacuated over a 72-hour span. Over 550 residential units in the area experienced flood damage. Meanwhile, Indianapolis opened emergency shelters, with crews conducting water rescues and monitoring neighborhoods along the White River.
Widespread power outages also affected Indiana, with nearly 130,000 utility customers still without electricity late Sunday, down from a peak of about 300,000 during the storm. Floodwaters damaged or washed out roads and impacted bridges in multiple communities. After the White River’s peak, Indianapolis reopened its floodgates Sunday, and authorities continued inspecting neighborhoods, infrastructure, and properties impacted by the flooding.
Federal help activated following statewide emergency declaration
Governor Mike Braun declared a state of disaster across Indiana and deployed additional state resources in response to the severe weather. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration after the state requested federal aid. This declaration enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with response efforts at the state, tribal, and local levels. The emergency aid covers activities necessary to safeguard lives, public health, safety, and property in areas affected by the storms and flooding.
By late Sunday, conditions along the rivers had improved from their peak levels, although flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal weather officials indicated that major flooding along the White River had eased to moderate flood stage. Nonetheless, 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 their homes and communities managed the aftermath of flooded buildings, compromised roads, and storm debris.