INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – The Indiana State Emergency Management Agency reports that at least seven individuals have lost their lives following intense storms and unprecedented flooding across Indiana. Several days of relentless rainfall caused rivers to overflow, resulting in extensive damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure. Officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday as floodwaters receded in several communities heavily impacted by the deluge. The storm system, which began on August 11, brought repeated heavy rain across central and southern Indiana.
According to state emergency authorities, the fatalities included a 4-year-old boy, three men, and three women. The deaths were recorded in Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County reported two fatalities, while each of the other counties confirmed one. Among those confirmed dead on Sunday was a 31-year-old cyclist found in a collapsed section of road caused by flooding in Henry County.
The National Weather Service indicated that some locations received over a foot of rain throughout the multiple-day weather event. The White River reached levels not observed in over a century, with Anderson and Noblesville setting new river crests that exceeded records from 1913. Nora experienced its highest river level since that year. Officials in Indianapolis described this flooding as the most severe in more than three decades.
Flooding Breaks Records, Prompting Evacuations Across Indiana
Rescue teams carried out hundreds of evacuations as floodwaters encroached on neighborhoods and caused road closures throughout the state. First responders utilized boats to reach residents stranded by rapidly rising waters. In Noblesville, authorities reported approximately 170 residents evacuated during a three-day span, with more than 550 residential units affected by flooding. Indianapolis also activated emergency shelters while crews conducted water rescues and monitored neighborhoods along the White River.
Power outages were widespread due to the storms, with nearly 130,000 utility customers still without electricity late Sunday, down from a peak of about 300,000 during the storm. Floodwaters damaged or washed out roads and impacted bridges in various communities. After the White River peaked and began receding, Indianapolis reopened its city floodgates on Sunday. Local officials continued inspections of neighborhoods, infrastructure, and properties impacted by the flooding.
Federal Aid Activated Following Statewide Emergency Declaration
Governor Mike Braun declared a state of disaster emergency across Indiana and deployed additional state resources to support response efforts amid the severe weather. President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration after Indiana formally requested assistance. This approval enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate and support local, tribal, and state response activities. The aid encompasses operations necessary to safeguard lives, public health, safety, and property in regions affected by the storms and flooding.
By the end of Sunday, river levels had improved from their peak but flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal weather officials reported that major flooding along the White River had decreased to moderate flood stage. Despite this progress, water levels remained above flood thresholds at several monitoring sites, including locations near Indianapolis. Damage assessments by state and local crews continued as residents returned to their affected properties, which included flooded buildings, damaged roads, and significant storm debris.