INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA / RankWire.AI / – Seven lives have been lost as Indiana endured intense storms and unprecedented flooding. The heavy rainfall over several days caused rivers to overflow and led to widespread damage to roads, homes, and critical infrastructure. State public safety officials confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday, as floodwaters started to recede in some of the hardest-hit areas. The storm system began on August 11, bringing multiple rounds of torrential rain across central and southern Indiana.
Victims included a 4-year-old boy, three men, and three women, according to emergency officials. The fatalities occurred across Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties. Delaware County reported two deaths, with each of the other counties recording one. Among the most recent victims confirmed on Sunday was a 31-year-old cyclist, found in a section of road that had collapsed during flooding in Henry County.
National Weather Service reported some locations received over a foot of rain during the multi-day weather event. The White River reached levels unseen in more than a century, with Anderson and Noblesville recording new river crests surpassing those set in 1913. At Nora, the river climbed to its highest level since that year. Officials in Indianapolis described the flooding as the city’s most severe in over three decades.
Floodwaters Prompt Mass Evacuations Across Indiana
Emergency responders carried out hundreds of evacuations as rising waters invaded neighborhoods and blocked roads statewide. Rescuers used boats to reach residents stranded by the rapidly advancing floodwaters. In Noblesville, authorities reported approximately 170 residents evacuated within a 72-hour window. Over 550 housing units experienced flood impacts. Meanwhile, Indianapolis opened emergency shelters as crews conducted water rescues and kept watch over neighborhoods along the White River.
The storms also triggered extensive power outages throughout Indiana. Nearly 130,000 utility customers were without electricity late Sunday, down from a peak of about 300,000 during the height of the weather. Floodwaters damaged or washed away roads and bridges in multiple communities. Indianapolis reopened its floodgates on Sunday after the White River reached its peak and began to fall. Local officials continued inspecting affected neighborhoods, infrastructure, and properties impacted by the flooding.
Federal Aid Activated Following State of Emergency
Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency, deploying additional resources to respond to the severe weather. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration after Indiana requested federal assistance. This authorization enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support local, tribal, and state response efforts. The emergency aid includes measures necessary to protect lives, public health, safety, and property in the areas affected by the storms and flooding.
By the end of Sunday, river conditions had improved from their peak levels, although flooding persisted in parts of central Indiana. Federal weather officials indicated that major flooding along the White River had decreased to a moderate flood stage. Water levels remained above flood thresholds at several monitoring stations, including near Indianapolis. State and local teams continued damage assessments as residents returned home and communities managed flooded structures, damaged roads, and storm debris cleanup.