INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – Severe storms and unprecedented flooding have resulted in at least seven fatalities across Indiana. Continuous heavy rainfall led to rivers overflowing their banks and caused extensive damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure. State officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday as floodwaters gradually receded in several severely affected communities. The storm system began on August 11 and delivered multiple rounds of intense rain across central and southern Indiana.
According to emergency officials, 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 reported two deaths, while each of the other counties confirmed one. Among the latest victims identified on Sunday was a 31-year-old cyclist found in a section of road that had collapsed amid the flooding in Henry County.
The National Weather Service reported some locations received more than a foot of rain during the multi-day event. The White River rose to levels not seen in over a century, with Anderson and Noblesville recording new crest levels that exceeded those set in 1913. Nora experienced its highest river level since that year. Officials in Indianapolis described the flooding as the city’s most severe in more than three decades.
Floodwaters Lead to Mass Evacuations in Indiana
Flooding prompted hundreds of emergency evacuations as rising waters invaded neighborhoods and blocked roads across the state. Rescuers utilized boats to reach residents trapped by the rapidly increasing floodwaters. In Noblesville, authorities reported approximately 170 residents evacuated during a span of 72 hours. Over 550 residential units experienced flood impacts. Meanwhile, Indianapolis activated emergency shelters as crews carried out water rescues and monitored neighborhoods along the White River.
The severe weather also caused widespread power outages. As of late Sunday, nearly 130,000 utility customers remained without electricity, a reduction from a peak of about 300,000 during the storm. Floodwaters damaged or washed out roads and impacted bridges in several communities. After the White River crested and began to fall, Indianapolis reopened city floodgates on Sunday. Local authorities continued inspecting neighborhoods, infrastructure, and properties affected by the flooding.
Federal Aid Authorized Following Statewide Emergency Declaration
Governor Mike Braun declared a disaster emergency across Indiana and activated additional state resources in response to the severe weather. Following Indiana’s request for federal support, President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration. This order enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in state, tribal, and local response efforts. The aid covers actions necessary to safeguard lives, public health, safety, and property in storm-affected zones.
By late Sunday, river conditions had improved from their peak levels, though flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal weather officials indicated that the major flood stage along the White River had subsided to moderate levels. Despite this, water remained above flood thresholds at several monitoring stations, including sites near Indianapolis. Damage assessments continued as residents returned to flooded neighborhoods, with communities managing damaged structures, compromised roads, and considerable storm debris.