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Historic Flooding Kills Six in Indiana as White River Breaks 1913 Crest Record

The president approved a federal emergency declaration to free FEMA resources for rescue, sheltering and engineering assessments.

Overview

  • A multi-day storm system that began on Aug. 11 brought intense rain and a damaging derecho, pushing the White River to more than 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville and breaking a 1913 record.
  • State officials confirmed at least six storm-related deaths and emergency crews carried out hundreds of evacuations and water rescues, including more than 90 people and dozens of pets saved by the Indianapolis Fire Department.
  • Floodwaters and rushing erosion washed away the approach to the Hazel Dell Parkway bridge in Hamilton County and engineers are now inspecting whether the structure can be repaired or needs full replacement.
  • President Trump approved Indiana’s request for a federal emergency declaration on Aug. 15, which opens FEMA aid for evacuations, shelters, search-and-rescue support and damage assessments.
  • Water levels are falling in some areas but flash-flood warnings remain, tens of thousands of customers still lack power and officials warn of remaining hazards such as washouts, sinkholes, downed lines and contaminated wells.