INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – Following intense storms and unprecedented flooding, Indiana has reported a death toll of at least seven. Prolonged heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow, resulting in damage to roads, residences, and various critical infrastructures. As floodwaters started to recede in several severely affected areas, state public safety officials confirmed the updated death count on Sunday. The storm system, which began on August 11, dumped multiple rounds of heavy rain across central and southern Indiana.
The fatalities included a 4-year-old boy, three men, and three women, according to emergency officials. These deaths occurred in Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County experienced two fatalities, while each of the remaining counties reported one. Among the latest victims, authorities identified a 31-year-old cyclist found in a section of road that had collapsed amid flooding in Henry County.
According to the National Weather Service, some regions received over a foot of rain during this multi-day weather event. The White River swelled to levels not seen in more than 100 years, with Anderson and Noblesville setting new record crests that exceeded those established in 1913. Nora experienced its highest river level since that year. Officials in Indianapolis described the flooding as the city’s most severe in over three decades.
Historic Flooding Prompts Evacuations Throughout Indiana
As floodwaters rapidly rose, emergency teams carried out hundreds of evacuations, with neighborhoods inundated and roads shut down across the state. Rescuers deployed boats to reach residents stranded by the swift-moving waters. In Noblesville, about 170 residents evacuated within a 72-hour span, with more than 550 residences affected by flooding. Indianapolis responded by opening emergency shelters and dispatching teams to perform water rescues and monitor neighborhoods along the White River.
The storm system also caused widespread power outages in Indiana, leaving nearly 130,000 customers without electricity late Sunday. This number has decreased from a peak of approximately 300,000 during the worst of the weather. Floodwaters damaged or washed out roads and bridges in multiple communities. After the White River crested and began to fall on Sunday, the city reopened its floodgates. Authorities continued inspecting neighborhoods and infrastructure impacted by the flooding, assessing damages to public and private properties.
Federal Aid Activated Following State Emergency Declaration
Governor Mike Braun declared a disaster emergency at the state level and allocated additional resources to respond to the severe weather. President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration after Indiana requested assistance. This declaration enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support local, tribal, and state response efforts. The aid covers necessary operations to protect lives, public health, safety, and property within storm-affected zones.
By late Sunday, river conditions had improved from their peak levels, but flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal weather officials noted that major flooding along the White River had decreased to a moderate flood stage. Water levels remained above flood thresholds at several monitoring points, including locations near Indianapolis. State and local teams continued damage assessments as residents returned to their homes and communities dealt with destroyed structures, compromised roads, and extensive storm debris.