At least six people have died in Indiana after historic flooding submerged neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis, state officials confirmed Saturday. The toll includes a 4-year-old child, with additional fatalities reported in Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties. Emergency crews rescued 95 people and 45 pets by late Saturday, as floodwaters reached levels not seen in more than 30 years.
President Donald Trump approved a presidential emergency declaration for Indiana, allowing federal disaster assistance to flow into the state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced. The declaration follows a request from Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who mobilized the Indiana National Guard and declared a statewide disaster emergency to coordinate response efforts.
Immediate Impact: Flooding Strands Residents, Breaks Records
Floodwaters from the White River submerged streets in Ravenwood and other Indianapolis neighborhoods, forcing residents to use kayaks and boats to navigate submerged roads. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett described the flooding as an "unprecedented" event, surpassing records set in 1913. The river reached 24.9 feet in Anderson, Indiana—nearly 10 feet above flood stage—according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Emergency operations expanded Saturday as authorities conducted welfare checks and evacuations in Delaware, Fayette, Tipton, and Hamilton counties. In Delaware County, authorities recovered the body of an 18-year-old Purdue University freshman, Matthew Morey, who went missing Wednesday after entering the Mississinewa River with three others. A 58-year-old woman was also found dead after attempting to drive through floodwaters in the same county.
Ongoing Threats: More Rain, Power Outages Persist
The NWS warned of additional heavy rainfall through Sunday, with flash flood and flood warnings in effect for central Indiana and Illinois. As of Saturday afternoon, more than 150,000 utility customers remained without power across the Midwest, including Indiana and Ohio, where some areas recorded over 11 inches of rain in a week.
In New Castle, Indiana, Cyndee Gillmore, owner of the Cornerstone Campground and Retreat Center, reported 5 feet of water flooding the property, destroying a kitchen, banquet hall, and mobile campers. "I'm standing in my house right now and it smells to high heaven, but it's just stuff," Gillmore said. "We’ll rebuild."
Response Efforts: State and Federal Coordination
Governor Braun stated, "I will do everything in my power to protect Hoosier lives and livelihoods as we respond to this historic severe weather." State agencies deployed National Guard troops to assist with evacuations and rescue operations, while local fire departments conducted hundreds of rescues using boats.
FEMA confirmed that federal aid would cover emergency protective measures, debris removal, and individual assistance for affected residents. The agency urged residents to register for aid at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Broader Context: Midwest Reels from Widespread Disasters
The flooding in Indiana follows a week of tornadoes, derechos, and flash floods that affected Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky, where nearly 1 million customers lost power at the storm’s peak. The White River’s record crest is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather linked to climate patterns, though officials have not yet attributed the event to long-term climate change.
Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, called the flooding a "once-in-a-lifetime type flood", noting that conditions shifted rapidly. Indianapolis Fire Department spokesperson Rita Reith reported that hundreds of distress calls were received Saturday, with rescues ongoing as waters receded slowly.
What’s Next: Recovery and Long-Term Concerns
Officials warned that additional flooding remains possible as saturated ground struggles to absorb more rainfall. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security advised residents to avoid floodwaters, which can conceal debris, downed power lines, and unstable ground.
For affected residents, recovery efforts will focus on temporary housing, infrastructure repairs, and financial assistance. FEMA’s declaration ensures that low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration may also be available to homeowners and businesses.
As the Midwest braces for more storms, Governor Braun urged vigilance: "Please continue to take flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters.",