Six People Dead as Historic Flooding Hits Indiana
At least six fatalities were confirmed after days of heavy rain and record flooding across Indiana, with water levels peaking in Indianapolis and rescue operations ongoing.
Heavy rains over the past week caused historic flooding in Indiana, leaving at least six people dead and prompting widespread evacuations. The White River in Indianapolis rose above 24 feet, the highest level recorded since 1913, and floodwaters reached two feet inside homes on the city’s north side.
State Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Liz Woods said the victims included a 4-year-old boy killed when a tree fell on his bedroom, two men and three women. One of the deceased, 19-year-old Matthew Morey, was found after jumping from a bridge into the Mississinewa River, while 58-year-old Stephanie Sallee and her dog were recovered in a cornfield after her vehicle was swept away on a flooded road.
City officials reported that floodwaters began to recede early Sunday, and the Department of Public Works planned to reopen floodgates while emergency shelters remained operational. First responders used boats to rescue residents stranded by rapidly rising water.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners President Christine Altman said the county, which escaped any loss of life, was seeing water levels drop, though a damaged bridge may need replacement. The National Weather Service warned that additional heavy rain and flash flooding could occur later in the day and urged residents to avoid fast-moving water.
Utility outages affected nearly 130,000 customers statewide, down from a peak of about 300,000. Governor Mike Braun’s office reported more than 350 evacuations and numerous rescue and welfare checks, and President Donald Trump approved federal disaster assistance for the response and recovery effort.