Six people, including a 4-year-old boy, have died in Indiana as torrential rains triggered devastating floods across the state, submerging towns and forcing hundreds of residents to be rescued from their homes. The deluge has caused rivers to reach record levels, overwhelming their banks and prompting an emergency declaration from President Donald Trump.
Federal disaster assistance is now available to Indiana as it grapples with what officials are calling a "once-in-a-lifetime" flood event. The White River, a major waterway, has surpassed records set in 1913 in several communities, including Anderson and Noblesville. In some areas, more than 11 inches of rain fell over a two-day period.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett stated that the city is experiencing its most severe flooding in over three decades, with rapidly shifting conditions. Hundreds of 911 calls for assistance were received as neighborhoods between the river and adjacent canals were evacuated. The Indianapolis Fire Department reported approximately 95 rescues of people and 45 pets by Saturday afternoon. Evacuations also occurred in Delaware and Tipton counties, with rescue and welfare checks taking place in Fayette County.
The victims include a 58-year-old woman swept away after driving into floodwaters and a 19-year-old man who died after jumping into a river. The 4-year-old boy died when a tree fell on his home.
Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, described the event as unprecedented and noted that new records were being set. While floodwaters were receding north of Indianapolis, flash-flood warnings and watches remained in effect for central Indiana. Forecasters anticipated the White River cresting in the Indianapolis area on Saturday evening. National Guard vehicles were deployed to assist with rescue efforts.
Earlier in the week, severe storms impacted other parts of the Midwest, causing tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash flooding. Social media videos depicted submerged homes, vehicles stranded in high water, toppled power poles, and washed-away roads. In Noblesville, a community known for its historic charm, areas that typically host farmers' markets and concerts were underwater. Officials noted that the flooding in Noblesville and Indianapolis was exacerbated by heavy rainfall in upstream communities, with nowhere for the water to go but downstream.