Indiana Flood Death Toll Rises to 6 as Trump Promises Federal Help
At least six people have died after days of severe storms and historic flooding across Indiana, state officials confirmed Saturday, as Gov. Mike Braun secured a commitment from President Donald Trump for federal assistance.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security confirmed the sixth death Saturday afternoon, hours after state officials announced five fatalities during a morning news conference. The storm system has battered the state since Aug. 11.
Who were the victims of the Indiana storms?
Among the dead is a 4-year-old boy in Jennings County, in southeastern Indiana, who was killed Tuesday when a tree crashed onto his home during an outbreak of severe weather.
State officials also confirmed the deaths of a 19-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman in Delaware County in eastern Indiana.
The updated death toll came as heavy rain continued lashing parts of the state, including the Indianapolis metro area, where emergency crews conducted dozens of water rescues.
Trump agrees to provide federal assistance
Gov. Braun declared a state of emergency earlier this week. In a social media post Saturday, he said he had spoken directly with President Trump about the severe storms and historic flooding.
The president agreed to provide federal assistance, Braun said.
“The severe storms and historic flooding impacting Indiana require a full federal partnership,” Braun said. “I appreciate President Trump’s quick response and commitment to helping Hoosiers recover.”
At least 150,000 customers remain without power across the state, according to Indiana DHS Executive Director Jonathan Whitham.
Indianapolis faces worst flooding in 30 years
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city is experiencing a flooding event not seen in more than three decades.
“The city of Indianapolis is currently facing a flooding event that we have not seen in over 30 years,” Hogsett said at a Saturday morning press conference. “This is an ever-evolving situation, and conditions can and are changing quite rapidly.”
The Indianapolis Fire Department reported conducting 50 water rescues over the past several hours, helping evacuate 91 residents and 45 pets.
White River breaks 113-year-old record
In Noblesville, north of Indianapolis, the White River shattered a record that had stood for more than a century.
Mayor Chris Jensen said the river crested at 24.6 feet, breaking the 113-year-old record of 23.8 feet set in 1913.
“The last 48 hours have been unprecedented in this community,” Jensen said in a video posted to social media. “We broke the 113-year-old record from 1913, which was originally 23.8 feet. We crested late last night, early this morning at 24.6 feet here.”
Flash flood threat extends from eastern Iowa to West Virginia
The severe weather system is not confined to Indiana. A flash flood threat remained in effect Saturday afternoon stretching from eastern Iowa to West Virginia.
Flood watches remained active for cities including Indianapolis, Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia, with additional rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms expected over the next 24 hours.
With the ground already saturated across the region, forecasters warned that any additional rain could quickly trigger more significant flash flooding where the heaviest rain develops.
What should Iowans watch for?
While Iowa has not experienced the same level of devastation as Indiana, the eastern parts of the state remain under a flash flood threat. Iowans in low-lying areas should monitor local forecasts and heed any warnings from emergency management officials.
Whitham said flooding will continue for at least another 24 hours before recovery efforts can begin in earnest.
“As far as the flooding, again, that's an ongoing issue. That's going to continue for the next 24 hours at least, and then we'll start that recovery process next,” Whitham said.
The situation remains fluid, and officials urge residents in affected areas to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to follow guidance from local authorities.