Indiana Faces Severe Flooding, Calls for Federal Assistance

Indiana authorities reported that at least five people have died due to flooding across the state this week. First responders were busy rescuing people from rising waters in Indianapolis neighborhoods by the White River on Saturday. Persistent heavy rains over the past week led to rivers and creeks overflowing their banks.

Governor Mike Braun stated on Saturday that President Donald Trump plans to approve his request for federal resources to aid in flood response and recovery efforts. Braun expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones and urged residents to take the flooding seriously, advising them to avoid the floodwaters.

Over 90 people and their pets were rescued on Saturday as waters surged along the White River in Indianapolis. Emergency officials in central Indiana are dealing with what many describe as historic flooding. The worst of the damage has occurred along the river corridor from Hamilton County to the northern suburbs of Indianapolis. In Delaware County, authorities discovered the body of a 58-year-old woman on Friday, believed to have died attempting to drive through floodwaters.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, accompanied by emergency managers at a briefing on Saturday, urged residents near the river to evacuate. He declared a local emergency on Friday due to swollen creeks and streams from the continuous heavy rains in central Indiana.

This aerial photo provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis on Aug. 15, 2026. Photo by Indianapolis Fire Department via AP

Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, described the situation as a once-in-a-lifetime flood, marking it as an unprecedented event that has set new records. Governor Braun has requested a presidential emergency declaration to release federal resources following record rainfall.

The National Weather Service reported over 11 inches of rain in a two-day period in some areas. The White River rose to more than 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville, breaking records from 1913. Flash-flood warnings and watches were in place across central Indiana on Saturday, with continued showers and thunderstorms expected throughout the day.

In Warren County, forecasters recorded two inches of rain in just six hours. The White River was projected to crest on Saturday evening in the Indianapolis area, where National Guard vehicles were assisting with rescues. Rita Reith of the Indianapolis Fire Department reported rescuing 91 people and 45 pets by early afternoon.

Todd Wilson, director of the city’s public works department, warned residents of the rising waters. Videos on social media captured scenes of vehicles stuck in deep water, a toppled power pole, and flooded intersections.

Severe storms earlier in the week affected other Midwest areas, causing tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash flooding. Storm damage extended from the Chicago area to western Pennsylvania. In related severe weather reports, Lala increased to a hurricane, targeting Hawaii’s Big Island and Tropical Storm Bertha threatened the Gulf Coast.