INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – Severe storms and record flooding in Indiana have resulted in at least seven fatalities. Persistent heavy rain caused rivers to overflow and damaged roads, homes, and infrastructure. On Sunday, state public safety officials confirmed the updated death toll as floodwaters receded in several severely affected areas. The storms, which began on August 11, unleashed multiple rounds of intense rainfall across central and southern Indiana.
The victims included 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 had one. Among the recent victims was a 31-year-old cyclist, who was found in a collapsed section of road during flooding in Henry County, confirmed Sunday.
The National Weather Service indicated that some regions received more than a foot of rain during this multi-day event. The White River rose to levels unseen in over 100 years. Anderson and Noblesville experienced new river crests surpassing records from 1913. Nora saw its highest water level since then. Officials in Indianapolis described the flooding as the worst in more than three decades.
Unprecedented Flooding Triggers Evacuations Throughout Indiana
Emergency crews carried out hundreds of evacuations as floodwaters inundated neighborhoods and blocked roads statewide. Rescuers used boats to reach residents stranded by rising waters. In Noblesville, around 170 residents evacuated over 72 hours. More than 550 residential units there experienced flood damage. Indianapolis opened emergency shelters, while teams performed water rescues and monitored neighborhoods along the White River.
Power outages affected much of Indiana as storms hit. Nearly 130,000 utility customers were still without power late Sunday, down from about 300,000 during the worst part of the weather. Floodwaters damaged or destroyed roads and bridges in multiple communities. Indianapolis reopened city floodgates after the White River reached its peak and started falling. Local officials continued inspecting neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and properties impacted by the floods.
Federal Help Activated Following Statewide Emergency Declaration
Governor Mike Braun declared a disaster emergency across Indiana and mobilized additional resources for the storm response. President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration after Indiana requested assistance. This allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support state, tribal, and local efforts. The aid covers work needed to protect lives, public health, safety, and property in storm-affected areas.
By late Sunday, river conditions had improved from their peak, but flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal weather officials said that major flooding along the White River had decreased to moderate levels. Water remained above flood stage at several sites, including near Indianapolis. Damage assessments continued as residents returned home and communities dealt with flooded buildings, damaged roads, and storm debris.