A swift response from an unidentified farmer, utilizing a tractor, was instrumental in rescuing a 2-year-old child from a flooded basement during a historic rainfall event in Indiana.
The deluge, described as a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall, overwhelmed waterways and inundated homes in northern Indiana on Wednesday. When Rush County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the emergency call, they found roadways impassable. The farmer then provided a tractor to help emergency personnel reach the residence.
Lifesaving measures were administered to the child by its mother and rescue workers. The farmer also used his tractor to transport the child and its family to safety. The child was subsequently airlifted to a hospital; their current condition is unknown.
"This is a tragic situation. Our thoughts are with the child and the family," Rush County Sheriff’s Department Detective Randy M. Meek stated. "We also appreciate the quick response from emergency personnel and the local farmer who helped reach the residence during the flooding."
Meanwhile, in Delaware County, a 19-year-old named Matthew Morey remains missing after jumping into the swollen Mississinewa River. He was one of four teenagers who entered the river from a bridge; while the other three were rescued, Morey was not. The search for him was suspended Thursday due to dangerous water levels. A prayer vigil was held Friday for his safe return.
In Yorktown, a 58-year-old woman was found deceased near her car on a flooded road. Investigators believe she was attempting to drive through the water when a strong current swept her vehicle away.
In response to the severe conditions, Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a state of emergency Thursday and mobilized the Indiana National Guard. On Friday, he formally requested an emergency declaration from President Trump to secure Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance.
The rainfall has caused significant flooding, with the White River breaking its 1913 record, cresting at over 24.9 feet, more than a foot higher than the previous record set over a century ago. The rainfall was expected to continue into Friday.