Indiana communities grapple with historic flooding, road closures and rescue efforts
Severe rain has caused record river levels across central Indiana, prompting emergency declarations, road closures, evacuations and a rescue of a toddler.
Heavy rain has pushed creeks and rivers in central Indiana to record heights, leading multiple cities and counties to declare emergencies. In Noblesville, Mayor Chris Jensen said water levels had risen to about 21 feet and urged residents to stay off roads and remain at home. The city is coordinating voluntary evacuations in its northern neighborhoods and monitoring the Federal Hill Commons floodplain. Both the Main Street Farmers Market and the Concert at the Commons scheduled for Saturday were cancelled.
Hamilton County officials announced a state of emergency and an orange Travel Watch, restricting travel to essential trips. More than 30 roads, including sections of State Roads 37, 19 and U.S. 31, have been closed. The county’s emergency management agency is distributing free sandbags at the Noblesville fairgrounds and accepting donations of water, blankets and snacks at Hamilton Heights High School.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is providing voluntary evacuation assistance to residents of the Riverwood community along the White River. Residents needing help can contact the county dispatch center.
Across the state, the White River reached a new record of 24.75 feet in Anderson, surpassing the 1913 high water mark. Anderson issued a mandatory evacuation order for flood-prone areas on August 13.
In Rush County, a farmer used a tractor to help emergency responders reach a two-year-old who was trapped in a basement surrounded by floodwater. The child survived after receiving life-saving measures and was airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis.
Emergency officials in Delaware County warned that floodwaters can release toxic gases from sewage, gasoline, industrial chemicals and pesticides. They advised anyone detecting strong chemical or “rotten egg” odors to move upwind, seek higher ground and avoid wading through water. Protective equipment such as N95 masks, gloves and boots was recommended for later cleanup.
Numerous parks in Hamilton County, including Forest Park in Noblesville and several sites in Fishers, Carmel and Cicero, have been closed until further notice as crews focus on flood control. The National Weather Service has extended flood and flash-flood watches for multiple counties through Friday evening, covering the Indianapolis metro area and surrounding regions.