Seven Dead After Historic Flooding Hits Indiana, Waters Begin to Recede
Seven people were killed as severe storms caused record flooding in Indiana, with water levels in the White River now falling and evacuation efforts ongoing.
Floodwaters in Hamilton County, Indiana, have started to recede after a period of historic flooding that set a new crest of 24.6 feet on the White River, surpassing a record from 1913. Christine Altman, president of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, said the water is pulling back, while Michael Hubbs, director of the county administration, noted the river level had dropped to 21 feet, describing the decline as significant.
The receding water has not eliminated hazards, Hubbs added, and a bridge crossing the river sustained damage during the storm. In Carmel, about 215 properties were affected and 40 residents were evacuated, according to Mayor Sue Finkam. Nearby Noblesville reported 170 evacuations and damage to roughly 552 residential units, Mayor Chris Jensen said.
State officials confirmed seven storm-related deaths since heavy rain began on Aug. 11, including a 4-year-old boy in Jennings County and victims in Delaware, Porter, Lake and Henry counties. Dozens of water rescues were carried out by emergency crews.
Governor Mike Braun declared a state of emergency on Thursday and indicated that federal assistance had been discussed with the president. Power outages affected up to 150,000 customers, according to Indiana DHS Executive Director Jonathan Whitham.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett described the flooding as the worst the city has seen in over three decades. The Indianapolis Fire Department conducted 50 water rescues, evacuating 91 residents and 45 pets.
Forecasts call for continued moderate flash-flood threats across parts of the Midwest, with flood watches remaining from Illinois to West Virginia and additional rain expected over the next 24 hours.